Light modules and devices incorporating light modules

ABSTRACT

According to one implementation an assembly is provided that facilitates a coupling of one or more light diffusing optical fibers to one or more light emitting diodes. According to one implementation the assembly includes a light emitting diode positioned inside a cavity of a frame that is equipped with means to directly or indirectly electrically couple the anode and cathode of the light emitting diode to a printed circuit board. A proximal end portion of the light diffusing optical fiber is supported inside a through opening of a lid positioned over a front side of the frame. The light diffusing optical fiber includes a core that is surround by a cladding. According to some implementations the proximal end of the light diffusing optical fiber is butt-coupled to the light emitting diode with there being no gap between the proximal end of the fiber and the light emitting side of the light emitting diode.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to light modules configured to deliverlight (e.g. visible, infrared and ultraviolet light) into an opticalfiber, such as a light diffusing optical fiber.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to some implementations assemblies are provided that comprise:

an apparatus having an external surface susceptible to bacterialcontamination, the apparatus comprising:

a housing having an external surface and internal channel, the housingbeing made of a material that is transparent to bacterial disinfectingultraviolet or blue light;

a first light emitting diode having an energized state and ade-energized state, in the energized state the first light emittingdiode emits bacterial disinfecting ultraviolet or blue light and in thede-energized state the first light emitting diode does not emit light;

a second light emitting diode having an energized state and ade-energized state, in the energized state the second light emittingdiode emits visible light and in the de-energized state the first lightemitting diode does not emit light;

a light diffusing optical fiber residing in the internal channel andconfigured to transmit both visible light and bacterial disinfectingultraviolet or blue light, the light diffusing optical fiber beingoptically coupled to both the first and second light emitting diodes.

According to some implementations assemblies are provided that comprise:

an apparatus having an external surface susceptible to bacterialcontamination, the apparatus comprising:

a housing having an external surface and internal channel, the housingbeing made of a material that is transparent to bacterial disinfectingultraviolet or blue light;

a first light emitting diode having an energized state and ade-energized state, in the energized state the first light emittingdiode emits bacterial disinfecting ultraviolet or blue light and in thede-energized state the first light emitting diode does not emit light;

a second light emitting diode having an energized state and ade-energized state, in the energized state the second light emittingdiode emits bacterial disinfecting ultraviolet or blue light and in thede-energized state the second light emitting diode does not emit light;

a third light emitting diode having an energized state and ade-energized state, in the energized state the second light emittingdiode emits visible light and in the de-energized state the first lightemitting diode does not emit light;

a light diffusing optical fiber residing in the internal channel andconfigured to transmit both visible light and bacterial disinfectingultraviolet or blue light, the light diffusing optical fiber beingoptically coupled to the first, second and third light emitting diodes.

According to some implementations assemblies are provided that comprise:

a frame including a front side, a backside and a cavity located betweenthe front side and backside that opens to the front side;

first and second electrically conductive pads located on the frame;

a first light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the firstlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the frame withthe anode and cathode respectively being electrically coupled to thefirst and second electrically conductive pads;

a first optical fiber having a core and a cladding surrounding the core,the first optical fiber including a proximal end portion having a firstlight receiving end that is butt-coupled to the first light emittingdiode;

a lid located distal to the first light emitting diode, the lid having afront side, a backside, and a through opening that extends between andthrough the front side and backside of the lid, the backside of the lidbeing attached to the front side of the frame, the first optical fiberextending through and being supported in the through opening; and

a printed circuit board having a voltage terminal and a ground terminal,the first electrically conductive pad of the frame being electricallyconnected to the voltage terminal and the second electrically conductivepad of the frame being electrically connected to the ground terminal.

According to some implementations assemblies are provided that comprise:

a frame including a front side, a backside and a cavity located betweenthe front side and backside that opens to the front side;

a first light emitting diode being located inside the cavity of theframe;

a first optical fiber having a core and a cladding that surrounds thecore, the first optical fiber including a proximal end portion having afirst light receiving end that is optically coupled to the first lightemitting diode; and

a lid constructed of a rigid material located distal to the first lightemitting diode, the lid having a front side, a backside, and a throughopening that extends between and through the front side and backside ofthe lid, the backside of the lid being attached to the front side of theframe, the first optical fiber extending through and being supported inthe through opening, the through opening of the lid having a lengthdimension and a portion of the first optical fiber residing in thethrough opening having an outer diameter dimension, the length dimensionbeing greater than the outer diameter dimension.

According to some implementations assemblies are provided that comprise:

a frame including a front side, a backside and a cavity located betweenthe front side and backside that opens to the front side;

first, second and third electrically conductive pads located on theframe;

a first light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the firstlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the frame withthe anode and cathode respectively being electrically coupled to thefirst electrically conductive pad and the third electrically conductivepad;

a second light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the secondlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the frame withthe anode and cathode respectively being electrically coupled to thesecond electrically conductive pad and the cathode third electricallyconductive pad;

a first light diffusing optical fiber having a core and a claddingsurrounding the core, the core having a proximal end that isbutt-coupled to the first and second light emitting diodes;

a lid having a front side, a backside, and a through opening thatextends between and through the front side and backside of the lid, thebackside of the lid being attached to the front side of the frame, thefirst light diffusing optical fiber extending through the throughopening; and

a printed circuit board having first and second power supply voltageterminals and a power supply ground terminal, the first and secondelectrically conductive pads of the frame being respectivelyelectrically coupled to the first and second voltage terminals and thethird electrically conductive pad of the frame being electricallycoupled to the ground terminal.

According to some implementations assemblies are provided that comprise:

a frame including a front side, a backside and a cavity located betweenthe front side and backside that opens to the front side;

first, second, third and fourth electrically conductive pads located onthe frame;

a first light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the firstlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the frame withthe anode and cathode respectively being electrically connected to thefirst and fourth electrically conductive pad;

a second light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the secondlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the frame withthe anode and cathode respectively being electrically connected to thesecond and fourth electrically conductive pad;

a third light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the thirdlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the frame withthe anode and cathode respectively being electrically connected to thethird and fourth electrically conductive pad;

a first light diffusing optical fiber having a core and a claddingsurrounding the core, the core having a proximal end that isbutt-coupled to the first, second and third light emitting diodes;

a lid having a front side, a backside, and a through opening thatextends between and through the front side and backside of the lid, thebackside of the lid being attached to the front side of the frame, thefirst light diffusing optical fiber extending through the throughopening; and

a printed circuit board having first, second and third power supplyvoltage terminals and a power supply ground terminal, the first, second,third and fourth anode electrically conductive pads being respectivelyelectrically coupled to the first, second and third voltage terminalsand to the ground terminal.

According to some implementations assemblies are provided that comprise:

a frame including a front side, a backside and a cavity located betweenthe front side and backside that opens to the front side;

a first and second electrically conductive pads located on the frame;

a first light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the firstlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the frame withthe anode and cathode respectively being electrically connected to thefirst and second electrically conductive pad;

a first light diffusing optical fiber having a core and a claddingsurrounding the core, the core of the first light diffusing opticalfiber having a proximal end that is butt-coupled to the first lightemitting diode;

a second light diffusing optical fiber having a core and a claddingsurrounding the core, the core of the second light diffusing opticalfiber having a proximal end that is butt-coupled to the first lightemitting diode;

a lid having a front side, a backside, and a through opening thatextends between and through the front side and backside of the lid, thebackside of the lid being attached to the front side of the frame, thefirst and second light diffusing optical fibers extending through thethrough opening; and

a printed circuit board having a voltage terminal and a ground terminal,the first electrically conductive pad being electrically coupled tovoltage terminal and the second electrically conductive pad beingelectrically coupled to the ground terminal.

According to some implementations assemblies are provided that comprise:

a first frame including a front side, a backside and a cavity locatedbetween the front side and backside that opens to the front side;

first and second electrically conductive pads located on the firstframe;

a first light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the firstlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the first framewith the anode and cathode respectively being electrically coupled tothe first and second electrically conductive pad;

a first light diffusing optical fiber having a core and a claddingsurrounding the core, the first light diffusing optical fiber having afirst end and an opposite second end, the first end being opticallycoupled to the first light emitting diode;

a first lid having a front side, a backside, and a through opening thatextends between and through the front side and backside of the firstlid, the backside of the first lid being attached to the front side ofthe first frame, a first portion of the first light diffusing opticalfiber extending through and being supported in the through opening ofthe first lid;

a first printed circuit board having a voltage terminal and a groundterminal, the first electrically conductive pad of the first frame beingelectrically coupled to the voltage terminal of the first printedcircuit board and the second electrically conductive pad of the firstframe being electrically coupled to the ground terminal of the printedcircuit board:

a second frame including a front side, a backside and a cavity locatedbetween the front side and backside that opens to the front side;

first and second electrically conductive pads located on the secondframe;

a second light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the secondlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the second framewith the anode and cathode respectively being electrically coupled tothe first and second electrically conductive pads of the second frame;

the second end of the first light diffusing optical fiber beingoptically coupled to the second light emitting diode;

a second lid having a front side, a backside, and a through opening thatextends between and through the front side and backside of the secondlid, the backside of the second lid being attached to the front side ofthe second frame, a second portion of the first light diffusing opticalfiber extending through and being supported in the through opening ofthe second lid; and

a second printed circuit board having a voltage terminal and a groundterminal, the first electrically conductive pad of the second framebeing electrically connected to the voltage terminal of the secondprinted circuit board and the second electrically conductive pad of thesecond frame being electrically connected to the ground terminal of thesecond printed circuit board.

Additional implementations are also provided as disclosed in the textthat follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side view of a light diffusing optical fiber according toone implementation.

FIG. 1B is a cross-section view of FIG. 1A along lines 1B-1B.

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of a light module according toone implementation.

FIG. 2B is a cross-section view of the light module of FIG. 2A in anassembled state.

FIG. 2C is a front view of the lid shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 3 shows the light module of FIGS. 2A and 2B physically andelectrically connected to a printed circuit board.

FIG. 4A is a top cross-section view of the light module of FIG. 2Bshowing the optical fiber being butt-coupled to a front face of a singlelight emitting diode.

FIG. 4B is a top cross-section view of a light module similar to that ofFIG. 2B showing the optical fiber being spaced a distanced the frontface of the single light emitting diode.

FIG. 4C illustrates a light module similar to that of FIG. 4A with thecladding removed from the light receiving end of the optical fiber.

FIG. 4D illustrates a light module similar to that of FIG. 4C with thelight receiving end of the core of the optical fiber being spaced adistance away from the front side of the light emitting diode.

FIG. 4E shows the light module of FIG. 4C with an adhesive disposedinside the cavity of the support frame.

FIG. 4F shows the light module of FIG. 4B with an adhesive disposedinside the cavity of the support frame.

FIG. 4G shows the light module of FIG. 4C with an adhesive disposedinside the cavity of the support frame.

FIG. 4H shows the light module of FIG. 4D with an adhesive disposedinside the cavity of the support frame.

FIG. 4I shows a light module similar to that of FIG. 4A with there beingmultiple optical fibers butt-coupled to the light emitting diode.

FIGS. 5A-C respectively show a front view, bottom view and side view ofa light emitting diode according to one implementation.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a backside of a frame in which thelight emitting diode is housed.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a light module and printed circuitboard according to one implementation.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an assembly of FIG. 7A with the lightmodule being surface mounted to the electrical contact pads of theprinted circuit board.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing a backside and bottom side of thelight module shown in FIG. 7B.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view showing a backside and bottom side of alight module according to another implementation.

FIG. 9A is a front view of a frame of a light module wherein a singleoptical fiber is optically coupled to two light emitting diodes locatedinside a cavity of the frame.

FIG. 9B shows a cross-section view of the supporting frame and lightemitting diodes of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C shows the backside of the supporting frame shown in FIG. 9B.

FIG. 9D illustrates an exploded view of a light module according to oneimplementation incorporating the features of FIGS. 9A-C and beingelectrically coupled to a printed circuit board by a pin connectorhaving three pins.

FIGS. 10A-C illustrates a supporting frame and light emitting diodeconfiguration similar to that of FIGS. 9A-C equipped with electricallyconductive pads for surface mounting the supporting frame to a printedcircuit board.

FIG. 11A shows a front face of a supporting frame of a light module thatincludes an optical fiber being optically coupled to two light emittingdiodes.

FIG. 11B shows a front face of a supporting frame of a light module thatincludes an optical fiber being optically coupled to three lightemitting diodes.

FIG. 12 illustrates an assembly that includes one or more optical fibersbeing coupled at opposite ends to one or more light emitting diodes.

FIG. 13A illustrates an exemplary medical apparatus that is routinelyexposed to bacteria, viruses and other infectious matter wherein ahandle of the medical apparatus includes on or multiple light modulesthat are configured to emit ultraviolet light in a manner sufficient tokill the bacteria, viruses and other infectious matter.

FIGS. 13B and 13C show examples of incorporating one or more lightmodules inside the handle of the medical apparatus shown in FIG. 13A.

FIG. 14A illustrates a light module wherein the opposite ends of anoptical fiber are optically coupled to the same light emitting diode.

FIG. 14B illustrates a light module comprising first and second lightemitting diodes located in a common supporting frame, and with theopposite first and second ends of an optical fiber being respectivelyoptically coupled to the first and second light emitting diodes.

FIG. 15A-B shows examples of a garment incorporating therein lightmodules.

FIG. 16 is a side cross-section view of a lid and optical fiberconfiguration according to one implementation.

FIG. 17 is a side cross-section view of a lid and optical fiberconfiguration according to one implementation.

FIGS. 18A-U schematically show light diffusing fiber and light emittingdiode configurations according to various implementations disclosedherein.

FIGS. 19A and 19B show a smart device, such as a portable phone or paddevice having embedded in a casing or a display glass cover one or morelight diffusing optical fibers coupled to one or more light emittingdiodes located inside the device.

FIG. 19C schematically illustrates a control circuit for energizing andde-energizing the one or more light modules located in the smart devicesof FIGS. 19A and 19B.

FIG. 20 illustrates an end of a single optical fiber being opticallycoupled to four light emitting diodes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the inventiveconcepts and how they may be practiced in particular implementations.However, it will be understood that those inventive concepts may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures and techniques have not been described in detail soas not to obscure the present disclosure.

The disclosure below is set forth in relation to particularimplementations and with reference to certain drawings; however, theimplementations described herein are not limited to those illustrated inthe drawings. Moreover, it is to be understood that the drawingsdescribed herein are schematic in nature and are provided only to assistin understanding of the described implementations. In the drawings, thesizes of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scalefor illustrative purposes.

FIG. 1A is a schematic side view of a section of an example of a lightdiffusing fiber with a plurality of voids in the core of the lightdiffusing optical fiber 12 having a central axis 16. FIG. 1B is aschematic cross-section of a light diffusing optical fiber 12 as viewedalong the direction 1B-1B in FIG. 1A. Light diffusing fiber 12 can be,for example, an optical fiber with a nano-structured fiber region havingperiodic or non-periodic nano-sized structures 32 (for example voids).In an example implementation, fiber 12 includes a core 20 divided intothree sections or regions. These core regions are: a solid centralportion 22, a nano-structured ring portion (inner annular core region)26, and outer, solid portion 28 surrounding the inner annular coreregion 26. A cladding region 40 surrounds the annular core 20 and has anouter surface. The cladding 40 may have low refractive index to providea high numerical aperture. The cladding 40 can be, for example, a lowindex polymer such as UV or thermally curable fluoroacrylate orsilicone.

An optional coating 44 surrounds the cladding 40. Coating 44 may includea low modulus primary coating layer and a high modulus secondary coatinglayer. In at least some implementations, coating layer 44 comprises apolymer coating such as an acrylate-based or silicone based polymer. Inat least some implementations, the coating has a constant diameter alongthe length of the fiber.

In other exemplary embodiments described below, coating 44 is designedto enhance the distribution and/or the nature of radiated light thatpasses from core 20 through cladding 40. The outer surface of thecladding 40 or the of the outer of optional coating 44 represents thesides 48 of fiber 12 through which light traveling in the fiber is madeto exit via scattering, as described herein.

A protective jacket (not shown) optionally covers the cladding 40.

In some implementations, the core region 26 of light diffusing fiber 12comprises a glass matrix 31 with a plurality of non-periodicallydisposed nano-sized structures (e.g., voids) 32 situated therein, suchas the example voids shown in detail in the magnified inset of FIG. 1B.In another example implementation, voids 32 may be periodicallydisposed, such as in a photonic crystal optical fiber, wherein the voidsmay have diameters between about 1×10⁻⁶ m and 1×10⁻⁵ m. Voids 32 mayalso be non-periodically or randomly disposed. In some exemplaryimplementations, glass 31 in region 26 is fluorine-doped silica, whilein other implementations the glass may be an undoped pure silica.

The nano-sized structures 32 scatter the light away from the core 20 andtoward the outer surface of the fiber. The scattered light is thendiffused through the outer surface of the fiber 12 to provide thedesired illumination. That is, most of the light is diffused (viascattering) through the sides of the fiber 12, along the fiber length.

According to some implementations the core 20 has a diameter in therange of 125-300 μm and the overall diameter of the fiber system,including the protective jacket, is in the range of 0.7 to 1.2 mm.

A detailed description of exemplary light diffusing optical fibers maybe found in Reissue Pat. No. RE46,098 whose content is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

A light diffusing optical fiber may be constructed differently than thatillustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In the context of the present disclosurea light diffusing optical fiber is an optical fiber that is configuredto scatter or diffuse light radially out of the fiber. Morespecifically, light is guided radially away from the core along itslength to provide illumination for applications, such as illuminatedsignage, displays, certain lighting fixtures, etc. Other applicationsmay include a dispersion of infrared light used in military or lawenforcement equipment and clothing for identification purposes. Otherapplications may include a dispersion of disinfecting light (e.g.ultraviolet light and blue light) to disinfect any of a host of devicesincluding, for example, door handles, medical equipment, food processingequipment, etc. The optical fiber core may be fabricated from glass orother suitable light-transmissive materials.

FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively illustrate an exploded perspective view anda cross-sectional side view of light module 100 according to oneimplementation wherein the light receiving end 10 of the optical fiber12 is optically coupled to a light emitting surface 114 located on afront side 111 of an LED 110. The LED 110 resides inside a cavity 121 ofa supporting frame 120. The cavity 121 opens to the front side 122 ofthe frame 120. Although the current disclosure will primarily focus onlight modules comprising light diffusing optical fibers that diffuselight along at least a majority or all of its length, it is appreciatedthat other types of optical waveguides may be employed, such as, forexample, transport fibers in which little to no loss of light occursalong its length.

According to one example the LED 110 comprises a structure like thatshown in FIGS. 5A-C. In the LED configuration of FIGS. 5A-C the LED 110includes a light emitting front side 111 that is intended to face thelight receiving end 10 of the optical fiber 12. According to theimplementation of FIGS. 5A-C, the front side of the LED 110 includes ananode 113 and a light emitting surface 114. The cathode 115 of the LED110 resides on a backside surface 112 thereof as shown in FIGS. 5B and5C. According to one implementation the LED 110 has a thickness of 170μm with the front side and bottom side being 380 μm².

In the implementation shown in FIGS. 2B and 4A the optical fiber 12 isbutt-coupled to a light emitting surface 114 located on the front sideof the LED 110 with both the fiber core 12 and cladding 40 pressingagainst the front side 111 of the LED. According to otherimplementations, as shown in FIG. 4B, the light receiving end 10 of theoptical fiber is spaced a distance away from the front side 111 of theLED 110. According to some implementations the distance D separating thelight receiving end 10 of the optical fiber 12 and the light emittingsurface 114 of the LED 110 is anywhere from a few microns but no greaterthan three hundred microns, and preferably no greater than two hundredmicrons.

According to other implementations, as shown in FIG. 4C, a proximal-mostend segment 11 of the optical fiber 12 is stripped/devoid of thecladding 40 such that only the core 20 of the optical fiber pressesagainst the light emitting surface 114 of the LED. According to otherimplementations, as shown in FIG. 4D, the core 20 at the light receivingend 10 of the optical fiber is spaced a distance D distal to the lightemitting surface 114 of the LED 110. According to some implementationsthe distance D separating the light receiving end 10 of the opticalfiber 12 and the light emitting surface 114 of the LED 110 is anywherefrom a few microns but no greater than three hundred microns, andpreferably no greater than two hundred microns.

In regard to each of the implementations of FIGS. 4A-D, an adhesive 50may be introduced in the cavity 121 of the supporting frame 120 toassist in fixing the position of the optical fiber 12 inside the cavity121 in its coupling relationship with the front side 111 of the LED 110as respectively shown in FIGS. 4E-H. According to some implementationsthe supporting frame 120 includes a port 124 through which the adhesive50 may be introduced into the cavity 121.

In implementations in which the light receiving end 10 of the opticalfiber 12 is spaced a distance from the light emitting surface 114 of theLED 110 as in FIGS. 4F and 4H, the adhesive 50 may have a refractiveindex that more closely matches the refractive index of the materialfrom which the core 20 is made as compared to of air to more effectivelyoptically couple the core with the light emitting surface of the LED.According to other implementations an index matching gel instead of anadhesive is located inside the cavity 121 between the light receivingend 10 of the optical fiber 12 and the light emitting surface 114 of theLED 110. As with the adhesive 50, the gel may have a refractive indexthat more closely matches the refractive index of the material fromwhich the core 20 is made as compared to the refractive index of air tomore effectively optically couple the core with the light emittingsurface of the LED.

According to other implementations the light module 100 includes aplurality of optical fibers whose light receiving ends are opticallycoupled to the light emitting surface 114 of the LED 110. FIG. 4Iillustrates such an implementation that is similar to that of FIG. 4A inwhich the light receiving end 10 a and 10 b of optical fibers 12 a and12 b are butt-coupled to the light emitting surface 114 of the LED 110.Although FIG. 4I shows the use of two optical fibers, it is appreciatedthat three, four or more optical fibers may be employed. This sameconcept of optically coupling multiple optical fibers to the lightemitting surface of a single LED is also applicable to implementationslike those of FIGS. 4B-4H. The bundling and optical coupling of two,three, four or more optical fibers to a single LED advantageouslyincreases the optical coupling efficiency whereby a larger percentage ofthe light emitted by the light emitting diode is transmitted into theoptical fibers and less light is lost to the surrounding environment.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A and 6 illustrate a supporting frame 120 according toone implementation. The supporting frame includes a main body 129 onwhich two electrically conductive pads 125 a and 125 b are affixed. Inthe implementation shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A and 6, the electricallyconductive pads 125 a and 125 b are arranged on the backside 123 of thesupporting frame 120. According to other implementations theelectrically conductive pads 125 a and 125 b may be respectivelyarranged on the side surfaces 126 a and 126 b of the supporting frame120 and/or on the bottom side 127 of the supporting frame 120.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 4A and 6, the anode 113 andcathode 115 of the LED 110 are respectively electrically coupled to theelectrically conductive pads 125 a and 125 b through electricalconductor elements 128 a and 128 b that fully or at least partiallyreside within the main body 129 of the supporting frame 120. As shown inFIGS. 2B and 4A, according to one implementation the cathode 115 issurface mounted on electrical conductor element 128 b and the anode 113is electrically coupled to the electrical conductor element 128 a by anelectrically conductive wire 170. As will be discussed in more detailbelow, in use the electrically conductive pads 125 a and 125 b arerespectively electrically coupled to a ground connection and to avoltage terminal of a power source.

According to some implementations electrically conductive pad 125 a andelectrical conductor element 128 a comprise a unitary structure and/orelectrically conductive pad 125 b and electrical conductor element 128 bcomprise a unitary structure.

According to other implementations the anode 113 is coupled directly toelectrically conductive pad 25 by an electrically conductive wire.

One method of electrically coupling the anode 113 and cathode 115 of theLED 110 to a ground connection and a voltage terminal is through the useof a pin connector 130 comprising a set of pins 131 a and 131 b as shownin FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3. According one implementation a mid-portion of thepins 131 a and 131 b pass through a header 132 that comprises a top side133 and a bottom side 134. The header 132 is made of an electricallynon-conductive material that electrically isolates the electricallyconducive pins 131 a and 131 b. According to one implementation thebottom surface 127 of the supporting frame 120 rests on the top side 133of the header as shown in FIGS. 2B and 3 with the electricallyconductive pads 125 a and 125 b respectively electrically coupled to apart of the pins 131 a and 131 b residing above the top side 133 of theheader 132. According to one implementation a solder connectionelectrically couples the electrically conductive pads 125 a and 125 b tothe pins 131 a and 131 b. According to some implementations each of theelectrically conductive pads 125 a and 125 b comprises, at least inpart, a solder that makes up the solder connection.

According to one implementation the bottom side 127 of the supportingframe 120 is fixed to the top side of the header 132 of the pinconnector 130 by use of an adhesive. As such, the solder connectionsbetween electrically conductive pads 125 a and 125 b and pins 131 a and131 b are less susceptible to breakage. According to otherimplementations, when the light module is fully assembled, theelectrically conductive pads 125 a and 125 b of the supporting frame 120are respectively fixed to pins 131 a and 131 b with a gap existingbetween the bottom side 127 of the supporting frame 120 and the top side133 of the header 132.

As shown in FIG. 3, according to one implementation the part of pin 131a residing below the bottom side 134 of the header 132 is connected to aground terminal or ground plane located inside or on a printed circuitboard (PCB) 160 and the part of pin 131 b residing below the bottom side134 of the header 132 is connected to a voltage terminal residing in oron the PCB. The PCB 160 may comprise a driver 161 and other componentsthat are used to regulate power to the LED 110. To put the scale of thelight module in perspective, according to some implementations the PCBis about 3 to 4 mm².

According to other implementations the supporting frame 120 may besurface mounted on the PCB 160 as shown in FIG. 7B. According to oneimplementation, as shown in FIG. 7A, the PCB 160 comprises on a surfacethereof a ground pad 161 b and a voltage terminal pad 161 a onto whichthe electrically conductive pads 125 a and 125 b are respectively bondedto establish a power connection to the LED 110 via the electricalconductor elements 128 a and 128 b. According to one implementation theelectrically conductive pads 125 a and 125 b extend from the backside123 to the bottom side 127 of the supporting frame 120 as shown in FIGS.7A, 7B and 8A. Alternatively, the electrically conducive pads 125 a and125 b may be provided only on the bottom side 127 of the supportingframe 120 as shown in FIG. 8B. According to such an implementation, theelectrical conductor elements 128 a and 128 b are arranged torespectively electrically connect the cathode 115 and anode 113 of theLED 110 to the electrically conductive pads 125 a and 125 b located onthe bottom side 127 of the supporting frame 120.

According to some implementations a lid 140 is situated on the frontside 121 of the supporting frame 120 to protect the LED 110 fromexternal elements and to also assist in aligning the light receiving end10 of the optical fiber 12 with the light emitting surface 114 of theLED 110. According to some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 2A-C and7B, the lid 140 includes first and second apertures 144 and 145 with thediameter of the first aperture being less than the diameter of thesecond aperture, and preferably no more than 20% greater, and morepreferably no than 10% greater than the diameter of the portion of theoptical fiber that resides therein. For example, according to oneimplementation the outer diameter of the optical fiber 12 is 0.9millimeters and the inner diameter of the first aperture is between 1.0and 1.1 millimeters. The backside 141 of the lid 140 may be attached tothe front side 122 of the supporting housing 120 by the use of anadhesive. According to other implementations the lid 140 includes athrough opening having a constant diameter that extends between itsfront side and backside. The lid is preferable made of a rigid plasticmaterial that prevents a flexing of the lid during the process ofassembling the light module. According to some implementations thelength dimension of the first aperture or the through opening ofconstant diameter, whichever the case may be, is greater than thediameter dimension of that portion of the optical fiber residingtherein. Such a feature assists in minimizing the risk of the opticalfiber buckling during the light module assembling process.

A housing 150, in the form of a resilient strain relief member, enclosesa proximal section of the optical fiber 12. The resilient strain reliefhousing 150 has a proximal end 151 of a first diameter and a distal end152 of a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. Theoptical fiber 12 may be concentrically located and supported inside thehousing 150 in a manner that relieves stress from the optical fiber orfibers to prevent breakage in the event of a pulling or bending of theoptical fiber or fibers. According to some implementations the housing150 includes an internal tube 155 that is configured to receive andcircumferentially surround and engage the optical fiber 12 such that theoptical fiber is concentrically disposed inside the housing. The housing150 may be made of rubber or other resilient material suitable forserving the protective strain relief and housing functions describedherein.

According to one implementation the housing 150 includes a cylindricalproximal section 153 and a conical-like distal section 154. According tosome implementations the cylindrical proximal section 153 that residesinside the second aperture 145 of the lid 140 with its proximal-most endabutting an annular wall 143 (see FIG. 2C) located at the juncture ofthe first and second apertures 144 and 145. The proximal end segment 11of the optical fiber 12 protrudes proximally from the strain reliefhousing 150 into and through the first aperture 144 of the lid 140.According to one implementation a slip fit exists between the inner wallof the first aperture 144 of the lid 140 and the outer wall of theproximal end section 11 of the optical fiber 12 so that the opticalfiber 12 is capable of sliding within the first aperture 144 during anassembly of the light module 100. As discussed above, the proximal endsection or segment 11 of the optical fiber 12 may or may not possess acladding. Hence, the diameter of the outer wall of the proximal endsection or segment of the optical fiber may be defined by either thecladding or the core of the optical fiber. In either case, according tosome implementations the diameter of the first aperture 144 of the lid140 is greater than the diameter of the outer wall of the optical fiber,but no greater than 20%, and preferably, no greater than 10%. Such anarrangement facilitates a proper alignment of the light receiving end 10of the optical fiber 12 with the light emitting surface 114 of the LED110. According to some implementations the proximal end of the resilientstrain relief housing 150 is secured inside the second aperture 145 ofthe lid 140 by use of an adhesive.

According to some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 4A-I, the lid 140includes a projection 147 through which the first aperture 144 passes,the projection 147 projecting from the backside 141 of the lid and intothe cavity 121 of the support frame 120. An advantage of the projection147 is that it positions the proximal opening of the first aperture 144nearer to the LED 110 inside the supporting frame 120. This assists inaligning the light receiving end 10 of the optical fiber 12 with the LED110 and reduces the length of the optical fiber that is unsupported,thus reducing the risk of breaking the optical fiber when it isbutt-coupled to the LED.

According to some implementations to facilitate a proper alignment thebackside 141 of the lid 140 with the front side 122 of the supportingframe 120, the width W and height H of the supporting frame 120 and thelid 140 are the same or substantially the same. In this manner, a flushalignment of the top, bottom and side external surfaces of thesupporting frame 120 and lid 140 assures a proper alignment betweenthem. To further assist in a proper alignment of the supporting frame120 with the pin connector 130, the width of the header 132 may also bethe same width as the supporting frame 120. A commonality of the widthand/or height dimensions of the various parts of the light module 100simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need to employthe use of more complex alignment equipment.

As shown in FIG. 12, according to some implementations the lightdiffusing optical fiber 12 has first and second light receiving ends 10a and 10 b that are respectively optically coupled to LED's 110 a and110 b of light modules 100 a and 100 b. The construction of each of themodules 100 a and 100 b may be the same as that of the modules 100described above. That is, each of modules 100 a and 100 b may include asupporting frame 120 a, 120 b, a lid 140 a, 140 b and a strain reliefhousing 150 a and 150 b. In the implementation of FIG. 12, the LEDS 110a and 110 b are respectively coupled to power connections in PCBs 160 aand 160 b. However, according to other implementations the supportingframes 120 a and 120 b are surface mounted to ground and voltageterminals located on a top side of the respective PCBs 160 a and 160 blike that described above. It is also important to note that the lightmodule system of FIG. 12 may comprise two or more optical fibers whoseends are optically coupled to LEDs 110 a and 110 b. Moreover, as will bediscussed in more detail below, one or both of the supporting frames 120a and 120 b may be substituted with the supporting frame 320 of FIG. 11Aor the supporting frame 420 of FIG. 11B which each house multiple LEDsto which a light receiving end of the optical fiber is opticallycoupled.

According to some implementations the LEDs 110 a and 110 b areconfigured to emit visible light of the same color, and in someinstances with the same or different intensities. An advantage of suchimplementations is that a more uniform distribution of light and/orlight of greater intensity may be provided along the length of the lightdiffusing fiber, particularly in situations where the optical fiber 12is long with the light modules 100 a and 100 b being spaced far apartfrom one another.

According to other implementations LED 110 a is configured to emitvisible light of a first color and LED 110 b is configured to emitvisible light of a second color different from the first color. Suchimplementations enable a dispersion of light along the length of thelight diffusing optical fiber in multiple colors. For example, only LED110 a may be energized to cause light of the first color to be dispersedalong the length of the light diffusing optical fiber, or only LED 110 bmay be energized to cause light of the second color to be dispersedalong the length of the light diffusing optical fiber, or both of LEDsmay be energized to cause a third color to be produced along at least aportion of the light diffusing optical fiber.

According to other implementations LED 110 a is configured to emitvisible light and LED 110 b is configured to emit infrared light. Suchimplementations are useful in military and law enforcement applicationswherein during daylight hours the clothing worn by or the equipmentoperated by military or law enforcement personnel may be identified byvisible light dispersed along a length of a light diffusing opticalfiber incorporated into such clothing or equipment and during nighttimehours the clothing or the equipment may be identified by infrared light.

According to other implementations LED 110 a is configured to emitvisible light and LED 110 b is configured to emit disinfectingultraviolet light. Such implementations are useful when it is desirableto at times illuminate an article for the purpose of readily identifyingthe article, and to at times. to provide light to disinfect the article.A handle on a piece of equipment in which at times visible light is usedto more readily identify the handle and at other times disinfectingultraviolet light is used to disinfect the handle. Such applications mayinclude door handles of vehicles, buildings, medical equipment, foodprocessing equipment, toilets, water facets, refrigerators etc.According to some implementations the visible light emitted by LED 110 aand the disinfecting ultraviolet light emitted by LED 110 b areconcurrently emitted. For example, to warn a user not to touch anarticle that is being disinfected by ultraviolet light emitted by LED110 b, LED 110 a may concurrently emit visible light to illuminate thearticle in the color red.

In the foregoing disclosure light modules possessing a single LED towhich one or multiple optical fibers are optically coupled have beendescribed. In the description that follows in regard to FIGS. 9A-D and10A-C. 11A and 11B, light modules possessing two or more LEDs areprovided.

FIGS. 9A-C illustrate another implementation wherein the light receivingend of the core 20 of a single optical fiber 12 is optically coupled totwo light emitting diodes 210 a and 210 b that are housed inside acavity 221 of a supporting frame 220. The light emitting diodes 210 aand 210 b may have a construction like that shown in FIGS. 5A-C with theanode and light emitting surface of each of the LEDs located on a frontside of the LED and the cathode of the LEDs located on a backside of theLED. A difference in the LEDs of FIGS. 9A-C and light modules havingthree or more LEDs is that when multiple LEDs are employed, thecross-sectional areas of the light emitting surfaces of these LEDs aretypically smaller. According to one implementation, as shown in FIG. 9B,the cathode on the backside of each of the LEDs is electrically coupledto a same electrical conductor element 225 a and the anodes of LEDs 210a and 210 b are respectively electrically coupled to separate electricalconductor elements 228 b and 228 c. In this manner the LEDs may beselectively energized to cause only one of the LEDs to illuminate or tocause both LEDs to illuminate at the same time.

FIG. 9C shows the backside 223 of the supporting frame 220 possessingelectrically conductive pads 225 a-c that are respectively electricallyconnected to electrical conductor elements 228-c. FIG. 9D shows anexploded perspective view of a light module 200 that includes a pinconnector 230 comprising three pins 231 a, 231 b and 231 c onto whichthe electrically conductive pads 225 a-c are electrically coupled whenthe light module is fully assembled. In use, pin 231 a is connected to aground terminal and pins 231 b and 231 c are electrically coupled toseparate voltage terminals or to a same voltage terminal. The lightmodule 200 further includes the supporting frame 220 (in which the LEDS210 a and 210 b are housed), a lid 240 and a resilient strain reliefelement 250 whose structure and function may be similar to those of thesupporting frame 120, lid 140 and resilient strain relief element 250 asdescribed above. The structure and function of the pin connector 230 mayalso be similar to the pin connector 130 described above.

FIGS. 10A-C illustrate an implementation similar to that of FIGS. 9A-Cin which a light receiving end of a single optical fiber 12 is opticallycoupled to an illuminating surface of multiple LEDs 210 a and 210 b. Theimplementation of FIGS. 10A-C differs from that of FIGS. 9A-C in thatpower is supplied to the anodes and cathodes of LEDs 210 a and 210 b viathe use of electrically conductive pads 225 a-c that extend to thebottom side 227 to accommodate a surface mounting of the supportingframe on a PCB in an electrically conductive way.

FIGS. 11A and 11B generically illustrate supporting frames 320 and 420that respectively house two LEDs (310 a, 310 b) and three LEDs (410 a,410 b, 410 c). Examples of how the LEDs (310 a, 310 b, 410 a, 410 b, 410c) may be coupled to a power source are discussed above, but are in noway intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, theLEDs may be electrically coupled to one or more power sources with orabsent the use of a PCB.

In the examples of FIG. 12 discussed above, implementations weredisclosed that included coupling opposite end of an optical fiber toLEDs. However, in implementations involving the optical fiber and LEDconfigurations of FIGS. 11A and 11B, multiple forms of light may betransmitted concurrently through an optical fiber from only one end ofthe optical fiber negating the need to implement the use of multiplelight modules to effectuate a desired lighting scheme. Notwithstandingthe foregoing, and as will be discussed in detail below, implementationsby which opposite ends of an optical fiber are each optically coupled tomultiple LEDs are also contemplated.

According to one implementation, as shown in FIG. 11A, a light receivingend of a single optical fiber 12 may be optically coupled to two LEDs310 a and 310 b to facilitate a delivery of different light forms intothe optical fiber. For example, according to some implementations lightis transmitted into the light receiving end of the optical fiber fromLEDs 310 a and 310 a one at a time, and according to otherimplementations light is concurrently transmitted from both LEDs 310 aand 310 b into the light receiving end of the optical fiber.

According to one implementation the optical fiber may be incorporatedinto an object in need of disinfection by use of ultraviolet or bluelight, each of which can be hazardous to a user of the object. In suchan implementation LED 310 a may emit ultraviolet or blue light to killbacteria, viruses and other infectious matter residing in or on theobject and LED 310 b may emit visible light to indicate a status of theobject. For example, when no disinfecting light is being delivered tothe object, LED 310 b may transmit green light to indicate the object isdisinfected and ready to use.

According to another implementation LED 310 a may emit ultraviolet orblue light to kill bacteria, viruses and other infectious matterresiding in or on the object and at the same time LED 310 b may emitvisible red light to communicate to a user a danger in handling theobject during the disinfecting process. According to one implementationLED 310 b is an RGB LED capable of emitting different colors of visiblelight. According to such an implementation the LED 310 b may emitvisible red light when LED 310 a is emitting disinfecting light andvisible green light when LED 310 a is shut off. An implementationaccording to FIG. 11B may also be employed for the same purpose in thatLED 410 a may be configured to emit disinfecting light, LED 410 b may beconfigured to emir visible red light when LED 410 a is energized, andLED 410C may be configured to emit visible green light when LED 410 a isde-energized.

Turning again to FIG. 11A, according to some implementations LED 310 amay be configured to emit visible light and LED 310 b may be configuredto emit infrared light. Such implementations are useful in military andlaw enforcement applications wherein during daylight hours the clothingworn by or the equipment operated by military or law enforcementpersonnel may be identified by visible light emitted along a length of alight diffusing optical fiber incorporated into such clothing orequipment and during nighttime hours the clothing or the equipment maybe identified by infrared light.

FIG. 13A illustrates an exemplary medical apparatus 500 that includes acontrol panel with keys 501, switches 502 and a display 503. Theapparatus includes an internal chamber in which infectious or bacterialmatter may be deposited from time to time for analysis purposes. In theexample of FIG. 13A, the apparatus includes a lid 505 that is moveablebetween a closed position in which the chamber is inaccessible and anopen position in which the chamber is accessible. The lid 505 includes ahandle 507 that may be gripped by a user of the apparatus to assist inopening and closing of the lid.

FIG. 13B illustrates the handle 507 according to one implementation inwhich a single light diffusing optical fiber 12 is disposed and forms apart of a light module generically shown as element 510 in the figure.The light module 510 may comprise supporting frame, LED and opticalfiber configurations description above and the description that follows.For example, according to some implementations the light module 510 maycomprise an arrangement like those shown in FIGS. 2A-4G. Inimplementations wherein a light module includes multiple LEDs like thoseshown in FIG. 11A, LED 310 a may emit ultraviolet or blue light to killbacteria, viruses and other infectious matter residing in or on thehandle 507 and LED 310 b may emit visible light to indicate a status ofthe apparatus 500. For example, when no disinfecting light is beingdelivered to the handle 507 through LED 310 a, LED 310 b may transmitgreen light to indicate the object is disinfected and ready to use.

According to another implementation LED 310 a may emit ultraviolet orblue light to kill bacteria, viruses and other infectious matterresiding in or on the handle and at the same time LED 310 b may emitvisible red light to communicate to a user a danger in touching thehandle during the disinfecting process. According to one implementationLED 310 b is an RGB LED capable of emitting different colors of visiblelight. According to such an implementation the LED 310 b may emitvisible red light when LED 310 a is emitting disinfecting light andvisible green light when LED 310 a is shut off. An implementationaccording to FIG. 11B may also be employed for the same purpose in thatLED 410 a may be configured to emit disinfecting light, LED 410 b may beconfigured to emir visible red light when LED 410 a is energized, andLED 410C may be configured to emit visible green light when LED 410 a isde-energized.

FIG. 13C illustrates an implementation in which first and second ends ofa light diffusing optical fiber 12 are optically coupled to separatelight modules generically shown as elements 510 a and 510 b. Accordingto one implementation each of the first end and second end of theoptical fiber 12 may be optically coupled to a single LED in a mannerconsistent with the implementation of FIG. 12 described above.

According to another implementation the first end of the optical fiber12 may be optically coupled to a single LED like those shown in FIGS.2A-4H and the second end of the optical fiber 12 is optically coupled tomultiple LEDs in a manner like that shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B.According to one such implementation the first end 10 a of the opticalfiber 12 is optically coupled to an LED that is configured to emitbacterial disinfecting light, such as ultraviolet light or blue lightand the second end 10 b of the optical fiber 12 is optically coupled toa first LED that is also configured to emit bacterial disinfecting lightand to a second LED that is configured to emit visible light. Accordingto such an implementation the LEDs configured to emit bacterialdisinfecting light may be energized concurrently to transmit bacterialdisinfecting light into each end of the optical fiber for the purpose ofoptimizing the disinfecting process. The optimization may includeprovided an enhanced dosage of disinfecting light not achievable by asingle LED and/or a more uniform distribution of disinfecting lightalong the length of the optical fiber. The LED that emits visible lightmay, for example, be configured to emit red light during thedisinfecting process to warn a user against touching the handle 507.

In accordance with some implementations disclosed herein blue light at awavelength of between 380-495 nm is employed to kill the unwantedbacteria. According to other implementations, ultraviolet light at awavelength of 100-400 nm is employed to kill unwanted bacteria.

According to another implementation each of the first and second ends 10a and 10 b of the optical fiber 12 may be optically coupled to multipleLEDs in a manner like that shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. According to onesuch implementation the first end 10 a of the optical fiber 12 isoptically coupled to a first LED that is configured to emit bacterialdisinfecting light and a second LED that emits visible light of a firstcolor. The second end 10 b of the optical fiber 12 is in turn opticallycoupled to a third LED that is also configured to emit bacterialdisinfecting light and to a fourth LED that is configured to emitvisible light of a second color different than the first color.According to such an implementation the first and third LEDs may beenergized concurrently to transmit bacterial disinfecting light intoeach end of the optical fiber for the purpose of optimizing thedisinfecting process. The second LED may be configured to emit red lightduring the disinfecting process to warn a user against touching thehandle 507. The fourth LED may be configured to emit green light whenthe first and third LEDs are de-energized.

FIG. 14A illustrates a light module 800 according to anotherimplementation in which the first and second ends 10 a, 10 b of theoptical fiber 12 are optically coupled to one or more LEDs located in acommon supporting frame 820. The supporting frame/LED configurations ofFIGS. 2A, 11A and 11B may be employed in such implementations. Othersupporting frame/LED configurations are also contemplated.

In the example of FIG. 14A each end 10 a, 10 b of the optical fiber 12is optically coupled to a single LED 810. The LED 810 may be configuredto emit visible light, ultraviolet light or infrared light. Regardlessof the type of light being emitted by the LED 810, by virtue of each endof the optical fiber being coupled to the LED 810 a more uniformdistribution of light along the length of the fiber may be achieved,particularly in situations in which the optical fiber has a long length.

In the example of FIG. 14B the first end 10 a of the optical fiber 12 isoptically coupled to a first LED 810 a and the second end 10 b of theoptical fiber 12 is optically coupled to a second LED 810 b. Each ofLEDs 810 a and 810 b may be configured to emit visible light,ultraviolet light or infrared light. According to some implementationsLED 810 a and LED 810 b are independently controlled so that they may beseparately energized and de-energized at different times. According toother implementations LED 810 a and LED 810 b are commonly controlled sothat each is energized and de-energized at the same time. According toone implementation each of LEDs 810 a and 810 b is configured to emitdisinfecting ultraviolet light. According to another implementation LED810 a is configured to emit disinfecting ultraviolet light and LED 810 bis configured to emit visible light (e.g. red light). According toanother implementation LED 810 a is configured to emit infrared lightand LED 810 b is configured to emit visible light.

Turning again to FIG. 11A, according to some implementations LED 310 amay be configured to emit visible light and LED 310 b may be configuredto emit infrared light. Such implementations are useful in military andlaw enforcement applications where during daylight hours the clothingworn by or the equipment operated by military or law enforcementpersonnel may be identified by visible light emitted along a length of alight diffusing optical fiber incorporated into such clothing orequipment and during nighttime hours the clothing or the equipment maybe identified by infrared light. In the example of FIG. 15A an uppergarment 900 is shown having incorporated therein a light module showngenerically as element 901. Extending from the light module is a lightdiffusing optical fiber 12 that is attached to or otherwise woven intothe garment. According to one implementation, as shown in FIG. 15A, thelight module 901 resides in a waist band 902 of the garment. However,due to its small size (occupying a space as small as 8 to 64 mm³according to some implementations) the light module 901 is capable ofresiding in almost any part of the garment.

As discussed above, according to one implementation the light module 901includes a supporting frame, lid and LED located inside the supportingframe with a configuration like that of FIG. 11A wherein a lightreceiving end of an optical fiber 12 is optically coupled to both LED110 a and LED 110 b. Power to the light module 901 is provided by abattery 910 that also may be located in the waist band 902 of thegarment 900.

According to some implementations a control circuit like that shown inFIG. 19C may be employed to control the energizing and de-energizing ofthe LED(s). That is, a button or touch sensor may be intergraded intothe garment for controlling the turning on and turning off of theLED(s). According to other implementations the control circuit iscomprised in a device external to the garment that is configured tocontrol the energizing and de-energizing of the LED(s) via a wirelessconnection such as Bluetooth. According to such implementations, a PCBto which the light module is electrically coupled comprises a receiverthat is configured to receive signals from a transmitter associated witha button or touch sensor of the external device.

FIG. 15B illustrates another implementation in which the opposite endsof the light diffusing optical fiber 12 are separately integrated intofirst and second modules 905 and 906. According to some implementationsconfigurations like those discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 12may be employed to illuminate the garment 900 in accordance withdifferent lighting schemes for entertainment purposes or military/lawenforcement applications. It is appreciated that the light modulesdisclosed and contemplated herein may be incorporated into any of anumber of other garments, such as hats, helmets, pants, gloves, etc.

In the foregoing exemplary implementations light emitting diodes, thediodes were disclosed as having an anode and cathode respectivelylocated on the front side and backside of the device. It is appreciatedthat the other types of LEDs may also be used. For example, according tosome implementations the anode and cathode may both reside on either thebackside or the front side of the LED. When located on the backside ofthe LED, the anode and cathode may be respectively surface mounted in anelectrically conductive way to the electrical conductor elements 128 aand 128 b. When located on the front side of the LED, the anode andcathode may respectively be electrically coupled to the electricalconductor elements 128 a and 128 b by electrically conductive wires, ormay respectively be directly electrically coupled to the electricallyconductive pads 125 a and 128 b by electrically conductive wires.

As discussed above, according to some implementations the lid 140 has athrough opening that extends between and through its front side 142 andbackside 141. According to some implementations, as shown in FIG. 16,the optical fiber has a first portion and a second portion distal to thesecond portion, the first portion extending through the through openingof the lid and being devoid of a cladding. The second portion includes acladding and has an outer diameter that is greater than an outerdiameter of the first portion of the optical fiber. The second endportion does not reside in the through opening 148 of the lid with thecladding of the second portion of the optical fiber abutting the frontside of the lid. Such implementations allows the cladding to be removedfrom around the core of the optical fiber up to a precise distant distalfrom the light receiving end of the core. The abutment of the claddingwith the front side of the lid provides a consistent and accurate axialplacement of the optical fiber with respect to the light emittingsurface of the LED during the light module assembling process. That is,the distance d by which the core of the optical fiber extends proximallyfrom the backside 141 of the lid 140 can be more precisely controlled.

Also as discussed above, according to some implementations the lid 140has a through opening that extends between and through its front side142 and backside 141 with the through opening of the lid 140 comprisinga first bore 144 that opens to the backside 141 of the lid and a secondbore 145 that opens to the front side of the lid. The first bore has afirst diameter and the second bore has a second diameter greater thanthe first diameter to create an annular surface 143 at the juncture ofthe first and second bores (see FIG. 2C). According to someimplementations, as shown in FIG. 17, the optical fiber has a firstportion and a second portion distal to the second portion. The firstportion extends through the first bore of the lid and is devoid of acladding. The second portion of the optical fiber includes a claddingand has an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of thefirst portion of the optical fiber. A proximal end of the second endportion residing in the first bore of the lid with the cladding of thesecond portion abutting the annular surface 143 of the through opening.Such implementations allows the cladding to be removed from around thecore of the optical fiber up to a precise distant distal from the lightreceiving end of the core. The abutment of the cladding with the annularwall 143 inside the through opening of the lid 140 provides a consistentand accurate axial placement of the optical fiber with respect to thelight emitting surface of the LED during the light module assemblingprocess. That is, the distance d by which the core of the optical fiberextends proximally from the backside 141 of the lid 140 can be moreprecisely controlled.

FIG. 19A shows a smart device 1100 (e.g. an iPhone®, iPad®, etc.) inwhich there is embedded one or more light diffusing optical fibers 1112.The smart device 1100 includes a display 1101 that is covered by aprotective glass and is circumscribed by a casing 1102. In theimplementation of FIG. 19A, the casing 1102 may be made of a lighttransparent or opaque material and has embedded therein a lightdiffusing optical fiber 1112 that is coupled at opposite ends to LEDs1110 a and 1110 b. According to other implementations the lightdiffusing optical fiber 1112 is optically coupled at only one end to asingle LED or to multiple LEDs.

In the implementation of FIG. 19A a single light diffusing optical fiber1112 is coupled at a first end to LED 1110 a and at a second end to LED1110 b. According to one implementation each of LEDs 1110 a and 1110 bemits visible light of the same color. The LEDs may be connected to acontrol circuit inside the device that causes the LEDs to be energizedupon the occurrence of certain events. For example, the LEDs may becaused to illuminate upon a signal being sent to the control unitindicative of there being an incoming phone call, text message, etc. Inthe case of an incoming phone call or text, the control circuit may beconfigured to energize the LEDs according to different lightingsequences. For example, upon the occurrence of an incoming phone callthe control circuit may be configured to cause each of the LEDs 1110 aand 1110 b to constantly illuminate, and upon the occurrence of anincoming text the control circuit may be configured to cause the LEDs1110 a and 1110 b to intermittently energize to produce flashing light.As mentioned above, according to one implementation the LEDs 1110 a and1110 b may be positioned adjacent one another with only one end of theoptical fiber 1112 being optically coupled to both LEDs 1110 a and 1110b. The LEDs may also be energized and de-energized by use of a switch ortouch sensor that is operable by a human hand. FIG. 19C illustrates aschematic drawing of such a control circuit wherein a button, capacitoror touch sensor 1120 is operable to send a signal to the LED 1121 tocause the LED to energize to cause an illumination of the optical fiber1122.

According to other implementations LED 1110 a is configured to emitvisible light of a first color and LED 1110 b is configured to emitlight of a second color. According to such implementations upon theoccurrence of an incoming phone call the control circuit may beconfigured to cause LED 1110 a to illuminate and upon the occurrence ofan incoming text the control circuit may be configured to cause the LED1110 b to be energized.

According to one implementation one or both of LEDs 1110 a and 1110 bmay be configured to emit light capable of killing bacteria, viruses,etc. Because the production of disinfecting light typically requires asubstantial amount of power, the control circuit may be configured toallow the illumination of the LEDs only upon receiving a signalindicative of the power cord being attached to the device.

According to some implementations the light diffusing optical fiber 1112is optical coupled to one or more of the LEDs configured to emitbacterial disinfecting light and one or more LEDs configured to emitvisible light of the same color or different colors.

FIG. 19B illustrates another implementation similar to that of FIG. 19Awith the light diffusing optical fiber 1112 being embedded inside theglass plate that lies over the device display 1101. The light diffusingoptical fiber is preferable integrated into the edge of the glass plateof the smart device.

The implementations associated with smart devices are also configurablefor placement in other handheld devices and devices that are operated bythe human hand.

The following clauses disclose in an unlimited way additionalimplementations, with each clause representing an implementation.

Group A clauses:

Clause 1: a frame including a front side, a backside and a cavitylocated between the front side and backside that opens to the frontside;

first and second electrically conductive pads located on the frame;

a first light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the firstlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the frame withthe anode and cathode respectively being electrically coupled to thefirst and second electrically conductive pads;

a first optical fiber having a core and a cladding surrounding the core,the first optical fiber including a proximal end portion having a firstlight receiving end that is butt-coupled to the first light emittingdiode;

a lid located distal to the first light emitting diode, the lid having afront side, a backside, and a through opening that extends between andthrough the front side and backside of the lid, the backside of the lidbeing attached to the front side of the frame, the first optical fiberextending through and being supported in the through opening; and

a printed circuit board having a voltage terminal and a ground terminal,the first electrically conductive pad of the frame being electricallyconnected to the voltage terminal and the second electrically conductivepad of the frame being electrically connected to the ground terminal.

FIG. 18A schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled to a single LED 1001.

Clause 2: The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising aresilient strain relief housing enclosing at least a portion of thefirst optical fiber, the resilient strain relief housing having aproximal end that butts against the front side of the lid.

Clause 3. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising aresilient strain relief housing enclosing at least a portion of thefirst optical fiber, the resilient strain relief housing having aproximal end portion that resides inside the through opening of the lid.

Clause 4. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the proximal endportion of the first optical fiber protrudes proximally from thebackside of the lid into the cavity of the frame.

Clause 5. The assembly according to clause 4, wherein the first lightemitting diode includes a front side from which light is emitted, adistance between the backside of the lid and the front side of the firstlight emitting diode is equal to or less than 1 millimeter.

Clause 6. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein at least a portionof each of the first and second electrically conductive pads of theframe is located on the backside of the frame, the first electricallyconductive pad being electrically coupled to the voltage terminal of theprinted circuit board via a first electrically conductive pin thatextends through a topside of the printed circuit board, the secondelectrically conductive pad being electrically coupled to the groundterminal of the printed circuit board via a second electricallyconductive pin that extends through the topside of the printed circuitboard.

Clause 7. The assembly according to clause 6, wherein each of the firstand second electrically conductive pads comprises a solder and isrespectively electrically coupled to the voltage terminal and the groundterminal of the printed circuit board by the solder.

Clause 8. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein at least a portionof each of the first and second electrically conductive pads of theframe is located on a bottom side of the frame, each of the voltageterminal and ground terminal of the printed circuit board respectivelycomprising first and second metallic pads residing on the top sidesurface of the printed circuit board, the first and second electricallyconductive pads of the frame being respectively surface mounted in anelectrically conducive manner to the first and second metallic pads ofthe printed circuit board.

Clause 9. The assembly according to clause 8, wherein each of the firstand second electrically conductive pads comprises a solder and isrespectively electrically coupled to the first and second metallic padsof the printed circuit board by the solder.

Clause 10. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the anode of thefirst light emitting diode is electrically coupled to the firstelectrically conductive pad by an electrically conductive wire having afirst end and a second end, the first end being attached to andelectrically coupled to the anode of the first light emitting diode, thesecond end being attached to and electrically coupled to the firstelectrically conductive pad.

Clause 11. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the anode of thefirst light emitting diode is electrically coupled to a first electricalconductor element residing inside the frame, the first electricalconductor element comprising a first metallic mass that is electricallycoupled to the first electrically conductive pad.

Clause 12. The assembly according to clause 11, wherein the anode of thefirst light emitting diode is electrically coupled to the firstelectrical conductor element by an electrically conductive wire having afirst end and a second end, the first end being attached to andelectrically coupled to the anode of the first light emitting diode, thesecond end being attached to and electrically coupled to the firstelectrical conductor element.

Clause 13. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the cathode ofthe first light emitting diode is electrically coupled to a secondelectrical conductor element residing inside the frame, the secondelectrical conductor element comprising a second metallic mass that iselectrically coupled to the second electrically conductive pad.

Clause 14. The assembly according to clause 13, wherein the cathode ofthe first light emitting diode is surface mounted to the secondelectrical conductor element.

Clause 15. The assembly according to clause 12, wherein the cathode ofthe first light emitting diode is electrically coupled to a secondelectrical conductor element residing inside the frame, the secondelectrical conductor element comprising a second metallic mass that iselectrically coupled to the second electrically conductive pad.

Clause 16. The assembly according to clause 15, wherein the cathode ofthe first light emitting diode is surface mounted to the secondelectrical conductor element.

Clause 17. The assembly according to clause 3, wherein a periphery ofthe proximal end portion of the resilient strain relief housing is insealing engagement with an internal wall of the lid that forms thethrough opening.

Clause 18. The assembly according to clause 12, wherein the resilientstrain relief housing is made of rubber.

Clause 19. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first lightemitting diode comprises a light emitting side and each of the core andcladding at the light receiving end of the first optical fiber isbutt-coupled to the light emitting side of the first light emittingdiode.

Clause 20. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the throughopening of the lid has a length dimension and a portion of the firstoptical fiber residing in the through opening has an outer diameterdimension, the length dimension being greater than the outer diameterdimension.

Clause 21. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising:

a second light emitting diode located inside the cavity of the frame;and

a second optical fiber having a core and a cladding surrounding thecore, the second optical fiber having a light receiving end that isoptically coupled to the second light emitting diode, the second opticalfiber extending through and being supported in the through opening ofthe lid.

FIG. 18B schematically shows first and second light diffusing fibers 12a and 12 b being respectively butt-coupled to first and second LEDs 1001a and 1001 b.

Clause 22. The assembly according to clause 21, wherein the first lightemitting diode emits ultraviolet light and the second light emittingdiode emits visible light.

Clause 23. The assembly according to clause 22, wherein the first andsecond light emitting diodes are configured to be concurrently energizedto concurrently deliver ultraviolet light and visible light into thefirst light diffusing optical fiber.

Clause 24. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the core of thefirst light diffusing optical fiber has a distal end opposite theproximal end that is optically coupled to a second light emitting diode.

FIG. 18C schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at a first end 10 a to a first LED 1001 a and at a secondend 10 b to a second LED 1001 b.

Clause 25. The assembly according to clause 24, wherein the first lightemitting diode emits ultraviolet light and the second light emittingdiode emits visible light.

Group B clauses:

Clause 1. An assembly comprising:

a frame including a front side, a backside and a cavity located betweenthe front side and backside that opens to the front side;

a first light emitting diode being located inside the cavity of theframe;

a first optical fiber having a core and a cladding that surrounds thecore, the first optical fiber including a proximal end portion having afirst light receiving end that is optically coupled to the first lightemitting diode; and

a lid constructed of a rigid material located distal to the first lightemitting diode, the lid having a front side, a backside, and a throughopening that extends between and through the front side and backside ofthe lid, the backside of the lid being attached to the front side of theframe, the first optical fiber extending through and being supported inthe through opening, the through opening of the lid having a lengthdimension and a portion of the first optical fiber residing in thethrough opening having an outer diameter dimension, the length dimensionbeing greater than the outer diameter dimension.

Clause 2. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising aresilient strain relief housing enclosing at least a portion of thefirst optical fiber, the resilient strain relief housing having aproximal end that butts against the front side of the lid.

Clause 3. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising aresilient strain relief housing enclosing at least a portion of thefirst optical fiber, the resilient strain relief housing having aproximal end portion that resides inside the through opening of the lid.

Clause 4. The assembly according to clause 3, wherein a periphery of theproximal end portion of the resilient strain relief housing is insealing engagement with an internal wall of the lid that forms thethrough opening.

Clause 5. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the proximal endportion of the first optical fiber protrudes proximally from thebackside of the lid into the cavity of the frame.

Clause 6. The assembly according to clause 5, wherein the first lightemitting diode includes a front side from which light is emitted, adistance between the backside of the lid and the front side of the firstlight emitting diode is equal to or less than 1 millimeter.

Clause 7. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first opticalfiber is secured inside the through opening of the lid by an adhesive.

Clause 8. The assembly according to clause 3, wherein the throughopening of the lid comprises a first bore that opens to the front sideof the lid and a second bore that opens to the backside of the lid, thefirst bore having a first diameter and the second bore having a seconddiameter that is less than the first diameter.

Clause 9. The assembly according to clause 8, wherein the proximal endportion of the resilient strain relief housing resides inside the firstbore.

Clause 10. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the throughopening of the lid has a diameter that is between 1% to 10% greater thanan outer-most diameter of a portion of the first optical fiber thatpasses through the through opening.

Clause 11. The assembly according to clause 8, wherein the second borehas a diameter that is no more than 10% greater than an outer-mostdiameter of a portion of the first optical fiber that passes through thesecond bore.

Clause 12. The assembly according to clause 9, wherein the second borehas a diameter that is no more than 10% greater than an outer-mostdiameter of a portion of the first optical fiber that passes through thesecond bore.

Clause 13. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein a refractiveindex matching material is disposed between a proximal end of the coreof the first optical fiber and the first light emitting diode.

Clause 14. The assembly according to clause 13, wherein the refractiveindex matching material is an adhesive.

Clause 15. The assembly according to clause 13, wherein the refractiveindex matching material has a refractive index that is less than therefractive index of air.

Clause 16. The assembly according to clause 3, wherein a proximal endportion of the through opening comprises a distal facing annularsurface, the resilient strain relief housing having a distal end thatabuts the distal facing annular surface.

Clause 17. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the optical fiberhas a first portion and a second portion distal to the second portion,the first portion extending through the through opening of the lid andbeing devoid of a cladding, the second portion including a cladding andhaving an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of thefirst portion, the second end portion not residing in the throughopening of the lid with the cladding of the second portion abutting thefront side of the lid.

Clause 18. The assembly according to clause 3, wherein the throughopening of the lid comprises a first bore that opens to the front sideof the lid and a second bore that opens to the backside of the lid, thefirst bore having a first diameter and the second bore having a seconddiameter that is less than the first diameter, the through openingincluding an annular surface at the juncture of the first and secondbores, the optical fiber having a first portion and a second portiondistal to the second portion, the first portion extending through thesecond of the lid and being devoid of a cladding, the second portionincluding a cladding and having an outer diameter that is greater thanan outer diameter of the first portion, a proximal end of the second endportion residing in the first bore of the lid with the cladding of thesecond portion abutting the annular surface of the through opening.

Clause 19. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the cavity of theframe is at least partially filled with an optically transparent epoxythat is interposed between the light emitting diode and the proximal endof the first optical fiber.

Clause 20. The assembly according to clause 19, wherein the frameincludes an injection hole for use in injecting the epoxy into thecavity of the frame.

Group C clauses:

Clause 1. An assembly comprising:

a frame including a front side, a backside and a cavity located betweenthe front side and backside that opens to the front side;

first, second and third electrically conductive pads located on theframe;

a first light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the firstlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the frame withthe anode and cathode respectively being electrically coupled to thefirst electrically conductive pad and the third electrically conductivepad;

a second light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the secondlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the frame withthe anode and cathode respectively being electrically coupled to thesecond electrically conductive pad and the third electrically conductivepad;

a first light diffusing optical fiber having a core and a claddingsurrounding the core, the core having a proximal end that isbutt-coupled to the first and second light emitting diodes;

a lid having a front side, a backside, and a through opening thatextends between and through the front side and backside of the lid, thebackside of the lid being attached to the front side of the frame, thefirst light diffusing optical fiber extending through the throughopening; and

a printed circuit board having first and second power supply voltageterminals and a power supply ground terminal, the first and secondelectrically conductive pads of the frame being respectivelyelectrically coupled to the first and second voltage terminals and thethird electrically conductive pad of the frame being electricallycoupled to the ground terminal.

FIG. 18D schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at one end to first and second LEDs 1002 a and 1002 b.

Clause 2. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first lightemitting diode emits light of a first color and the second lightemitting diode emits light of a second color that is different from thefirst color.

Clause 3. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first lightemitting diode emits visible light and the second light emitting diodeemits infrared light.

Clause 4. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first lightemitting diode emits visible light and the second light emitting diodeemits disinfecting ultraviolet light.

Clause 5. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising aresilient strain relief housing enclosing at least a portion of thefirst light diffusing optical fiber, the resilient strain relief havinga proximal end portion that resides inside the through opening of thelid.

Clause 6. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the proximal endof the first light diffusing optical fiber protrudes proximally from thebackside of the lid.

Clause 7. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein each of the firstand second light emitting diode includes a front side from which lightis emitted, a distance between the backside of the lid and the frontside of the first and second light emitting diodes being equal to orless than 1 millimeter.

Clause 8. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein each of the firstand second electrically conductive pads and third electricallyconductive pad of the frame is located on the backside of the frame, thefirst and second electrically conductive pads being respectively coupledto the first and second voltage terminals of the printed circuit boardvia a first and second electrically conductive pins that extend into theprinted circuit board, the third electrically conductive pad of theframe being coupled to the ground terminal of the printed circuit boardvia a third electrically conductive pin that extends into the printedcircuit board.

Clause 9. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein each of the first,second and third voltage terminals and ground terminal of the printedcircuit board reside on a surface of the printed circuit board, thefirst, second and third electrically conductive pads and of the framebeing respectively surface mounted in an electrically conducive mannerto the first and second voltage terminal and ground terminal.

Clause 10. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein each of theanodes of the first and second light emitting diodes is respectivelyelectrically coupled to the first and second electrically conductivepads of the frame by first and second electrically conductive wires thateach have a first end and a second end, the first ends of the first andsecond electrically conductive wires being respectively attached to andelectrically coupled to the anodes of the first and second lightemitting diodes, the second ends of the first and second electricallyconductive wires being respectively attached to and electrically coupledto the first and second electrically conductive pads of the frame.

Clause 11. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the anode of eachof the first and second light emitting diode is respectivelyelectrically coupled to a first and second electrical conductor elementsresiding inside the frame, the first and second electrical conductorelements respectively comprising a first and second metallic mass thatis respectively electrically coupled to the first and secondelectrically conductive pad.

Clause 12. The assembly according to clause 11, wherein the anode of thefirst light emitting diode is electrically coupled to the firstelectrical conductor element by a first electrically conductive wirehaving a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to andelectrically coupled to the anode of the first light emitting diode, thesecond end being attached to and electrically coupled to the firstelectrical conductor element, and the anode of the second light emittingdiode is electrically coupled to the second electrical conductor elementby a second electrically conductive wire having a first end and a secondend, the first end being attached to and electrically coupled to theanode of the second light emitting diode, the second end being attachedto and electrically coupled to the second electrical conductor element.

Clause 13. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the cathode ofeach of the first and second light emitting diodes is electricallycoupled to a third electrical conductor element residing inside theframe, the second electrical conductor element comprising a thirdmetallic mass that is electrically coupled to the third electricallyconductive pad.

Clause 14. The assembly according to clause 13, wherein the cathode ofeach of the first and second light emitting diodes is surface mounted tothe third electrical conductor element in an electrically conductivemanner.

Clause 15. The assembly according to clause 12, wherein the cathode ofeach of the first and second light emitting diodes is electricallycoupled to a third electrical conductor element residing inside theframe, the third electrical conductor element comprising a thirdmetallic mass that is electrically coupled to the third electricallyconductive pad.

Clause 16. The assembly according to clause 15, wherein the cathode ofeach of the first and second light emitting diodes is surface mounted tothe third electrical conductor element.

Clause 17. The assembly according to clause 5, wherein a periphery ofthe proximal end portion of the resilient strain relief housing is insealing engagement with an internal wall of the lid that forms thethrough opening.

Clause 18. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the cladding ofthe first light diffusing optical fiber abuts the front side of one orboth of the first and second light emitting diodes.

Clause 19. The assembly according to clause 5, wherein the throughopening of the lid comprises a first bore that opens to the front sideof the lid and a second bore that opens to the backside of the lid, thefirst bore having a first diameter and the second bore having a seconddiameter that is less than the first diameter, at least a portion of thefirst light diffusing optical fiber being fixed inside the second bore;the distal end portion of the resilient strain relief housing residinginside the first bore.

Clause 20. The assembly according to clause 19, wherein the second borehas a diameter that is not more than 10% greater than an outer-mostdiameter of a portion of the first light diffusing optical fiber thatpasses through the second bore.

Clause 21. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first lightdiffusing optical fiber is secured inside the through opening of the lidby an adhesive.

Clause 22. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein a refractiveindex matching material is disposed between the proximal end of the coreof the first light diffusing optical fiber and the front side of thefirst and second light emitting diodes.

Clause 23. The assembly according to clause 22, wherein the refractiveindex matching material is an adhesive.

Clause 24. The assembly according to clause 19, wherein a proximal endof the first bore comprises a distal facing annular surface, theproximal end of the resilient strain relief housing abutting the distalfacing annular surface.

Clause 25. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the core of thefirst light diffusing optical fiber has a distal end opposite theproximal end that is optically coupled to a third light emitting diode.

FIG. 18E schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at a first end 10 a to first and second LEDs 1002 a and1002 b and at a second end 10 b to a third LED 1002 c.

Clause 26. The assembly according to clause 25, wherein the third lightemitting diode emits light of a first color, the second light emittingdiode emits light of a second color that is different from the firstcolor and the third light emitting diode emits light of a third colorthat is different from the first and second colors.

Clause 27. The assembly according to clause 25, wherein each of thefirst and third light emitting diodes emit ultraviolet light and thesecond light emitting diode emits visible light or infrared light.

Clause 28. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first lightemitting diode emits ultraviolet light and the second light emittingdiode emits visible light.

Clause 29. The assembly according to clause 28, wherein the first andsecond light emitting diodes are configured to be concurrently energizedto concurrently deliver ultraviolet light and visible light to the firstlight diffusing optical fiber.

Group D Clauses:

Clause 1. An assembly comprising:

a frame including a front side, a backside and a cavity located betweenthe front side and backside that opens to the front side;

first, second, third and fourth electrically conductive pads located onthe frame;

a first light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the firstlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the frame withthe anode and cathode respectively being electrically connected to thefirst and fourth electrically conductive pad;

a second light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the secondlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the frame withthe anode and cathode respectively being electrically connected to thesecond and fourth electrically conductive pad;

a third light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the thirdlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the frame withthe anode and cathode respectively being electrically connected to thethird and fourth electrically conductive pad;

a first light diffusing optical fiber having a core and a claddingsurrounding the core, the core having a proximal end that isbutt-coupled to the first, second and third light emitting diodes;

a lid having a front side, a backside, and a through opening thatextends between and through the front side and backside of the lid, thebackside of the lid being attached to the front side of the frame, thefirst light diffusing optical fiber extending through the throughopening; and

a printed circuit board having first, second and third power supplyvoltage terminals and a power supply ground terminal, the first, second,third and fourth anode electrically conductive pads being respectivelyelectrically coupled to the first, second and third voltage terminalsand to the ground terminal.

FIG. 18F schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at one end to first, second and third LEDs 1003 a, 1003 band 1003 c.

Clause 2. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first lightemitting diode emits red light, the second light emitting diode emitsgreen light, the third light emitting diode emits ultraviolet light.

Clause 3. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising aresilient strain relief housing enclosing at least a portion of thefirst light diffusing optical fiber, the resilient strain relief havinga proximal end portion that resides inside the through opening of thelid.

Clause 4. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the proximal endof the first light diffusing optical fiber protrudes proximally from thebackside of the lid.

Clause 5. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein each of the first,second and third light emitting diodes includes a front side from whichlight is emitted, a distance between the backside of the lid and thefront side of the first, second and third light emitting diodes beingequal to or less than 1 millimeter.

Clause 6. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein each of the first,second third and fourth electrically conductive pad is located on thebackside of the frame, the first, second and third electricallyconductive pads being respectively coupled to the first, second andthird voltage terminals of the printed circuit board via a first, secondand third electrically conductive pins that extend into the printedcircuit board, the fourth electrically conductive pad being coupled tothe ground terminal of the printed circuit board via a fourthelectrically conductive pin that extends into the printed circuit board.

Clause 7. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein each of the first,second, third and fourth electrically conductive pads is located on abottom side of the frame, each of the first, second and third voltageterminals and ground terminal of the printed circuit board residing on asurface of the printed circuit board, the first, second, third andfourth electrically conductive pads being respectively surface mountedin an electrically conducive manner to the first, second and thirdvoltage terminal and ground terminal.

Clause 8. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein each of the anodesof the first, second and third light emitting diodes is respectivelyelectrically coupled to the first, second and third electricallyconductive pad by first, second and third electrically conductive wiresthat each have a first end and a second end, the first ends of thefirst, second and third electrically conductive wires being respectivelyattached to and electrically coupled to the anodes of the first, secondand third light emitting diodes, the second ends of the first, secondand third electrically conductive wires being respectively attached toand electrically coupled to the first, second and third anode connectorsof the frame.

Clause 9. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the anode of eachof the first, second and third light emitting diode is respectivelyelectrically coupled to a first, second and third electrical conductorelements residing inside the frame, the first, second and thirdelectrical conductor elements respectively comprising a first, secondand third metallic mass that is respectively electrically coupled to thefirst, second and third electrically conductive pad.

Clause 10. The assembly according to clause 9, wherein the anode of thefirst light emitting diode is electrically coupled to the firstelectrical conductor element by a first electrically conductive wirehaving a first end and a second end, the first end being attached to andelectrically coupled to the anode of the first light emitting diode, thesecond end being attached to and electrically coupled to the firstelectrical conductor element, the anode of the second light emittingdiode is electrically coupled to the second electrical conductor elementby a second electrically conductive wire having a first end and a secondend, the first end being attached to and electrically coupled to theanode of the second light emitting diode, the second end being attachedto and electrically coupled to the second electrical conductor element,and the anode of the third light emitting diode is electrically coupledto the third electrical conductor element by a third electricallyconductive wire having a first end and a second end, the first end beingattached to and electrically coupled to the anode of the third lightemitting diode, the second end being attached to and electricallycoupled to the third electrical conductor element.

Clause 11. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the cathode ofeach of the first, second and third light emitting diode is electricallycoupled to a fourth electrical conductor element residing inside theframe, the fourth electrical conductor element comprising a fourthmetallic mass that is electrically coupled to the fourth electricallyconductive pad.

Clause 12. The assembly according to clause 11, wherein the cathode ofeach of the first, second and third light emitting diodes is surfacemounted to the fourth electrical conductor element in an electricallyconductive manner.

Clause 13. The assembly according to clause 10, wherein the cathode ofeach of the first, second and third light emitting diodes iselectrically coupled to a fourth electrical conductor element residinginside the frame, the fourth electrical conductor element comprising afourth metallic mass that is electrically coupled to the fourthelectrically conductive pad.

Clause 14. The assembly according to clause 13, wherein the cathode ofeach of the first, second and third light emitting diodes is surfacemounted to the fourth electrical conductor element in an electricallyconductive manner.

Clause 15. The assembly according to clause 3, wherein a periphery ofthe proximal end portion of the resilient strain relief housing is insealing engagement with an internal wall of the lid that forms thethrough opening.

Clause 16. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the cladding ofthe first light diffusing optical fiber abuts the front side of thefirst, second and third light emitting diodes.

Clause 17. The assembly according to clause 3, wherein the throughopening of the lid comprises a first bore that opens to the front sideof the lid and a second bore that opens to the backside of the lid, thefirst bore having a first diameter and the second bore having a seconddiameter that is less than the first diameter, at least a portion of thefirst light diffusing optical fiber being fixed inside the second bore;the distal end portion of the resilient strain relief housing residinginside the first bore.

Clause 18. The assembly according to clause 17, wherein the first lightdiffusing optical fiber is secured inside the second bore by use of anadhesive.

Clause 19. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein a refractiveindex matching material is disposed between the proximal end of the coreof the first light diffusing optical fiber and the front side of thefirst, second and third light emitting diodes.

Clause 20. The assembly according to clause 19, wherein the refractiveindex matching material is an adhesive.

Clause 21. The assembly according to clause 17, wherein a proximal endof the first bore comprises a distal facing annular surface, theproximal end of the resilient strain relief housing abutting the distalfacing annular surface.

Clause 22. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising aninjection port that extends from an external surface of the frame to thecavity of the frame to facilitate an injection of an index matchingmaterial into the cavity.

Group E Clauses:

Clause 1. An assembly comprising:

a frame including a front side, a backside and a cavity located betweenthe front side and backside that opens to the front side;

a first and second electrically conductive pads located on the frame;

a first light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the firstlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the frame withthe anode and cathode respectively being electrically connected to thefirst and second electrically conductive pad;

a first light diffusing optical fiber having a core and a claddingsurrounding the core, the core of the first light diffusing opticalfiber having a proximal end that is butt-coupled to the first lightemitting diode;

a second light diffusing optical fiber having a core and a claddingsurrounding the core, the core of the second light diffusing opticalfiber having a proximal end that is butt-coupled to the first lightemitting diode;

a lid having a front side, a backside, and a through opening thatextends between and through the front side and backside of the lid, thebackside of the lid being attached to the front side of the frame, thefirst and second light diffusing optical fibers extending through thethrough opening; and

a printed circuit board having a voltage terminal and a ground terminal,the first electrically conductive pad being electrically coupled tovoltage terminal and the second electrically conductive pad beingelectrically coupled to the ground terminal.

Clause 2. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising aresilient strain relief housing enclosing at least a portion of thefirst and second light diffusing optical fibers, the resilient strainrelief having a proximal end portion that resides inside the throughopening of the lid.

Clause 3. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the proximal endof each of the first and second light diffusing optical fibers protrudesproximally from the backside of the lid.

Clause 4. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first lightemitting diode includes a front side from which light is emitted, adistance between the backside of the lid and the front side of the firstlight emitting diode being equal to or less than 1 millimeter.

Clause 5. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first andsecond electrically conductive pads are located on the backside of theframe, the first electrically conductive pad being coupled to thevoltage terminal of the printed circuit board via a first electricallyconductive pin that extends into the printed circuit board, the secondelectrically conductive pad being coupled to the ground terminal of theprinted circuit board via a second electrically conductive pin thatextends into the printed circuit board.

Clause 6. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein each of thevoltage terminal and ground terminal of the printed circuit boardresides on a surface of the printed circuit board, the first and secondelectrically conductive pads being respectively surface mounted in anelectrically conducive manner to the voltage terminal and groundterminal.

Clause 7. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the anode of thefirst light emitting diode is electrically coupled to the firstelectrically conductive pad by an electrically conductive wire having afirst end and a second end, the first end being attached to andelectrically coupled to the anode of the first light emitting diode, thesecond end being attached to and electrically coupled to the anodeconnector located on the frame.

Clause 8. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the anode of thefirst light emitting diode is electrically coupled to a first electricalconductor element residing inside the frame, the first electricalconductor element comprising a first metallic mass that is electricallycoupled to the first electrically conductive pad.

Clause 9. The assembly according to clause 8, wherein the anode of thefirst light emitting diode is electrically coupled to the firstelectrical conductor element by an electrically conductive wire having afirst end and a second end, the first end being attached to andelectrically coupled to the anode of the first light emitting diode, thesecond end being attached to and electrically coupled to the firstelectrical conductor element.

Clause 10. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the cathode ofthe first light emitting diode is electrically coupled to a secondelectrical conductor element residing inside the frame, the secondelectrical conductor element comprising a second metallic mass that iselectrically coupled to the second electrically conductive pad.

Clause 11. The assembly according to clause 10, wherein the cathode ofthe first light emitting diode is surface mounted to the secondelectrical conductor element.

Clause 12. The assembly according to clause 9, wherein the cathode ofthe first light emitting diode is electrically coupled to a secondelectrical conductor element residing inside the frame, the secondelectrical conductor element comprising a second metallic mass that iselectrically coupled to the second electrically conductive pad.

Clause 13. The assembly according to clause 12, wherein the cathode ofthe first light emitting diode is surface mounted to the secondelectrical conductor element.

Clause 14. The assembly according to clause 2, wherein a periphery ofthe proximal end portion of the resilient strain relief housing is insealing engagement with an internal wall of the lid that forms thethrough opening.

Clause 15. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the cladding ofthe first light diffusing optical fiber abuts the front side of thefirst and second light emitting diodes.

Clause 16. The assembly according to clause 2, wherein the throughopening of the lid comprises a first bore that opens to the front sideof the lid and a second bore that opens to the backside of the lid, thefirst bore having a first diameter and the second bore having a seconddiameter that is less than the first diameter, at least a portion of thefirst and second light diffusing optical fibers being fixed inside thesecond bore; the distal end portion of the resilient strain reliefhousing residing inside the first bore.

Clause 17. The assembly according to clause 16, wherein the first andsecond light diffusing optical fibers are secured inside the second boreby use of an adhesive.

Clause 18. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein a refractiveindex matching material is disposed between the proximal end of the coreof each of the first and second light diffusing optical fibers and thefront side of the first light emitting diode.

Clause 19. The assembly according to clause 18, wherein the refractiveindex matching material is an adhesive.

Clause 20. The assembly according to clause 16, wherein a proximal endof the first bore comprises a distal facing annular surface, theproximal end of the resilient strain relief housing abutting the distalfacing annular surface.

Clause 21. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising aninjection port that extends from an external surface of the lid to thecavity of the frame to facilitate an injection of an index matchingmaterial into the cavity of the frame.

Group F Clauses:

Clause 1. An assembly comprising:

a first frame including a front side, a backside and a cavity locatedbetween the front side and backside that opens to the front side;

first and second electrically conductive pads located on the firstframe;

a first light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the firstlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the first framewith the anode and cathode respectively being electrically coupled tothe first and second electrically conductive pad;

a first light diffusing optical fiber having a core and a claddingsurrounding the core, the first light diffusing optical fiber having afirst end and an opposite second end, the first end being opticallycoupled to the first light emitting diode;

a first lid having a front side, a backside, and a through opening thatextends between and through the front side and backside of the firstlid, the backside of the first lid being attached to the front side ofthe first frame, a first portion of the first light diffusing opticalfiber extending through and being supported in the through opening ofthe first lid;

a first printed circuit board having a voltage terminal and a groundterminal, the first electrically conductive pad of the first frame beingelectrically coupled to the voltage terminal of the first printedcircuit board and the second electrically conductive pad of the firstframe being electrically coupled to the ground terminal of the printedcircuit board:

a second frame including a front side, a backside and a cavity locatedbetween the front side and backside that opens to the front side;

first and second electrically conductive pads located on the secondframe;

a second light emitting diode having an anode and a cathode, the secondlight emitting diode being located inside the cavity of the second framewith the anode and cathode respectively being electrically coupled tothe first and second electrically conductive pads of the second frame;

the second end of the first light diffusing optical fiber beingoptically coupled to the second light emitting diode;

a second lid having a front side, a backside, and a through opening thatextends between and through the front side and backside of the secondlid, the backside of the second lid being attached to the front side ofthe second frame, a second portion of the first light diffusing opticalfiber extending through and being supported in the through opening ofthe second lid; and

a second printed circuit board having a voltage terminal and a groundterminal, the first electrically conductive pad of the second framebeing electrically connected to the voltage terminal of the secondprinted circuit board and the second electrically conductive pad of thesecond frame being electrically connected to the ground terminal of thesecond printed circuit board.

FIG. 18F schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at a first end 10 a to a first LED 1004 a and at a secondend 10 b to a second LED 1004 b.

Clause 2. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising:

a first resilient strain relief housing enclosing at least a portion ofthe first light diffusing optical fiber, the first resilient strainrelief having an end portion that resides inside the through opening ofthe first lid; and

a second resilient strain relief housing enclosing at least a portion ofthe second light diffusing optical fiber, the second resilient strainrelief having an end portion that resides inside the through opening ofthe second lid.

Clause 3. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising asecond light diffusing optical fiber having a core and a claddingsurrounding the core, the second light diffusing optical fiber having afirst end and an opposite second end, the first end of the second lightdiffusing optical fiber being optically coupled to the first lightemitting diode.

FIG. 18H schematically shows a first light diffusing fiber 12 a beingbutt-coupled at a first end 10 a to a first LED 1004 a and at a secondend 10 b to a second LED 1004 b. An end of a second light diffusingfiber 12 b is also butt-coupled to the first LED 1004 a.

Clause 4. The assembly according to clause 3, wherein the second end ofthe second light diffusing optical fiber is optically coupled to thesecond light emitting diode.

FIG. 18I schematically shows a first and second light diffusing fibers12 a and 12 b that are each butt-coupled at a first end to a first LED1004 a and at a second end to a second LED 1004 b.

Clause 5. The assembly according to clause 3, wherein a proximal endportion of the second light diffusing optical fiber extends through thethrough opening of the first lid, the first resilient strain reliefhousing enclosing at least a portion of the second light diffusingoptical fiber.

Clause 6. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first lightemitting diode emits visible light and the second light emitting diodeemits ultraviolet light.

Clause 7. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first lightemitting diode emits visible light of a first color and the second lightemitting diode emits visible light of a second color different from thefirst color.

Clause 8. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the first lightemitting diode emits visible light and the second light emitting diodeemits infrared light.

Clause 9. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the proximal endof the first light diffusing optical fiber protrudes from the backsideof the first lid towards the first light emitting diode and the distalend of the first light diffusing optical fiber protrudes from thebackside of the second lid towards the second light emitting diode.

Clause 10. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein each of the firstand second light emitting diodes includes a front side from which lightis emitted, a first distance between the backside of the first lid andthe front side of the first light emitting diode being equal to or lessthan 1 millimeter, a second distance between the backside of the secondlid and the front side of the second light emitting diode being equal toor less than 1 millimeter.

Clause 11. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein each of the firstand second electrically conductive pads of the first frame are locatedon the backside of the first frame, the electrically conductive pad ofthe first frame being electrically coupled to the voltage terminal ofthe first printed circuit board via a first electrically conductive pinthat extends into the first printed circuit board, the secondelectrically conductive pad of the first frame being coupled to theground terminal of the first printed circuit board via a secondelectrically conductive pin that extends into the first printed circuitboard.

Clause 12. The assembly according to clause 11, wherein each of thefirst and second electrically conductive pads of the second frame arelocated on the backside of the second frame, the first electricallyconductive pad of the second frame being coupled to the voltage terminalof the second printed circuit board via a first electrically conductivepin that extends into the second printed circuit board, the secondelectrically conductive pad of the second frame being coupled to theground terminal of the second printed circuit board via a secondelectrically conductive pin that extends into the second printed circuitboard.

Clause 13. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the voltageterminal and ground terminal of the first printed circuit board resideon a surface of the first printed circuit board, the first and secondelectrically conductive pads of the first frame being respectivelysurface mounted in an electrically conducive manner to the voltageterminal and ground terminal of the first printed circuit board.

Clause 14. The assembly according to clause 13, wherein the voltageterminal and ground terminal of the second the printed circuit boardreside on a surface of the second printed circuit board, the first andsecond electrically conductive pad of the second frame beingrespectively surface mounted in an electrically conducive manner to thevoltage terminal and ground terminal of the second printed circuitboard.

Clause 15. The assembly according to clause 2, wherein a periphery ofthe proximal end portion of the first resilient strain relief housing isin sealing engagement with an internal wall of the through opening ofthe first lid and a periphery of the proximal end portion of the secondresilient strain relief housing is in sealing engagement with aninternal wall of through opening of the second lid.

Clause 16. The assembly according to clause 15, wherein each of thefirst and second resilient strain relief housings is made of rubber.

Clause 17. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein the cladding eachof the first and second light diffusing optical fibers respectivelyabuts the front side of the first and second light emitting diode.

Clause 18. The assembly according to clause 2, wherein the throughopening of the first lid comprises a first bore that opens to the frontside of the lid and a second bore that opens to the backside of thefirst lid, the first bore having a first diameter and the second borehaving a second diameter that is less than the first diameter, the endportion of the resilient strain relief housing residing inside the firstbore.

Clause 19. The assembly according to clause 22, wherein the second boreof the first lid has a diameter that is 10% greater than an outer-mostdiameter of a portion of the first light diffusing optical fiber thatpasses through the second bore.

Clause 20. The assembly according to clause 18, wherein the first lightdiffusing optical fiber is secured inside the second bore of the firstlid by use of an adhesive.

Clause 21. The assembly according to clause 1, wherein a refractiveindex matching material is disposed between the proximal end of the coreof the first light diffusing optical fiber and the front side of thefirst light emitting diode.

Clause 22. The assembly according to clause 21, wherein the refractiveindex matching material is an adhesive.

Clause 23. The assembly according to clause 18, wherein a proximal endof the first bore of the first lid comprises a distal facing annularsurface, the end of the resilient strain relief housing abutting thedistal facing annular surface.

Clause 24. The assembly according to clause 1, further comprising aninjection port that extends from an external surface of the first lid tothe cavity of the first frame to facilitate an injection of an indexmatching material into the cavity of the first frame.

Group G Clauses:

Clause 1. An apparatus having an external surface susceptible tobacterial contamination, the apparatus comprising:

a housing having an external surface and internal channel, the housingbeing made of a material that is transparent to bacterial disinfectingultraviolet or blue light;

a first light emitting diode having an energized state and ade-energized state, in the energized state the first light emittingdiode emits bacterial disinfecting ultraviolet or blue light and in thede-energized state the first light emitting diode does not emit light;

a second light emitting diode having an energized state and ade-energized state, in the energized state the second light emittingdiode emits visible light and in the de-energized state the first lightemitting diode does not emit light;

a light diffusing optical fiber residing in the internal channel andconfigured to transmit both visible light and bacterial disinfectingultraviolet or blue light, the light diffusing optical fiber beingoptically coupled to both the first and second light emitting diodes.

FIG. 18J schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at one end to a first LED 1005 a and a second LED 1005 b.

FIG. 18K schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at a first end 10 a to a first LED 1005 a and at a secondend 10 b to a second LED 1005 b.

Clause 2. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the lightdiffusing optical fiber has a core surrounded by a cladding, the corebeing butt-coupled to each of the first and second light emittingdiodes.

Clause 3. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the lightdiffusing optical fiber has a core surrounded by a cladding, the coreand cladding being butt-coupled to each of the first and second lightemitting diodes.

Clause 4. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein when the firstlight emitting diode is in the energized state the second light emittingdiode is in the energized state.

Clause 5. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the visible lightemitted by the second light emitting fiber is red light.

Clause 6. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein when the firstlight emitting diode is in the de-energized state the second lightemitting diode is in the energized state.

Clause 7. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the visible lightemitted by the second light emitting diode is green light.

Clause 8. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the lightdiffusing optical fiber has a first end and a second end opposite thefirst end, the first end being optically coupled to the first and secondlight emitting diodes.

Clause 9. The apparatus according to clause 8, wherein the lightdiffusing optical fiber has a core surrounded by a cladding, the core atthe first end of the light diffusing optical fiber being butt-coupled toboth the first and second light emitting diodes.

Clause 10. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the lightdiffusing optical fiber has a first end and a second end opposite thefirst end, the first end being optically coupled to the first lightemitting diode and the second end being optically coupled to the secondlight emitting diode as shown in FIG. 18K.

Clause 11. The apparatus according to clause 1, further comprising athird light emitting diode having an energized state and a de-energizedstate, in the energized state the third light emitting diode emitsvisible light and in the de-energized state the third light emittingdiode does not emit light.

FIG. 18L schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at one end to first, second and third LEDs 1005 a, 1005 band 1005 c.

FIG. 18M schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at a first end 10 a to first and second LEDs 1005 a and1005 b, and at a second end 10 b to a third LED 1005 c.

FIG. 18N schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at a first end 10 a to a first LED 1005 a and at a secondend 10 b to second and third LEDs 1005 b and 1005 c.

Clause 12. The apparatus according to clause 11, wherein the secondlight emitting diode emits visible light of a first color, and the thirdlight emitting diode emits light of a second color different than thefirst color.

Clause 13. The apparatus according to clause 12, wherein the first coloris red and the second color is green.

Clause 14. The apparatus according to clause 12, wherein when the firstlight emitting diode is in the energized state the second light emittingdiode is in the energized state.

Clause 15. The apparatus according to clause 12, wherein when the firstlight emitting diode is in the energized state the third light emittingdiode is in the de-energized state.

Clause 16. The apparatus according to clause 15, wherein the first coloris red.

Clause 17. The apparatus according to clause 16, wherein the secondcolor is green.

Clause 18. The apparatus according to clause 11, wherein the lightdiffusing optical fiber has a first end and a second end opposite thefirst end, the first end being optically coupled to the first, secondand third light emitting diodes.

Clause 19. The apparatus according to clause 11, wherein the lightdiffusing optical fiber has a core surrounded by a cladding, the core atthe first end of the light diffusing optical fiber being butt-coupled tothe first, second and third light emitting diodes.

Group H Clauses:

Clause 1. An apparatus having an external surface susceptible tobacterial contamination, the apparatus comprising:

a housing having an external surface and internal channel, the housingbeing made of a material that is transparent to bacterial disinfectingultraviolet or blue light;

a first light emitting diode having an energized state and ade-energized state, in the energized state the first light emittingdiode emits bacterial disinfecting ultraviolet or blue light and in thede-energized state the first light emitting diode does not emit light;

a second light emitting diode having an energized state and ade-energized state, in the energized state the second light emittingdiode emits bacterial disinfecting ultraviolet or blue light and in thede-energized state the second light emitting diode does not emit light;

a third light emitting diode having an energized state and ade-energized state, in the energized state the second light emittingdiode emits visible light and in the de-energized state the first lightemitting diode does not emit light;

a light diffusing optical fiber residing in the internal channel andconfigured to transmit both visible light and bacterial disinfectingultraviolet or blue light, the light diffusing optical fiber beingoptically coupled to the first, second and third light emitting diodes.

FIG. 18O schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at one end to first, second and third LEDs 1006 a, 1006 band 1006 c.

FIG. 18P schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at a first end 10 a to first and second LEDs 1005 a and1005 b, and at a second end 10 b to a third LED 1005 c.

FIG. 18Q schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at a first end 10 a to first and third LEDs 1005 a and 1005c, and at a second end 10 b to a second LED 1005 b.

Clause 2. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the lightdiffusing optical fiber has a core surrounded by a cladding, the corebeing butt-coupled to each of the first, second and third light emittingdiodes.

Clause 3. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the lightdiffusing optical fiber has a core surrounded by a cladding, the coreand cladding being butt-coupled to each of the first, second and thirdlight emitting diodes.

Clause 4. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein when at least oneof the first and second light emitting diodes is in the energized statethe third light emitting diode is in the energized state.

Clause 5. The apparatus according to clause 4, wherein the visible lightemitted by the third light emitting diode is red.

Clause 6. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein when both thefirst and second light emitting diodes are in the de-energized state thethird light emitting diode is in the energized state.

Clause 7. The apparatus according to clause 6, wherein the visible lightemitted by the third light emitting diode is green.

Clause 8. The apparatus according to clause 1, wherein the lightdiffusing optical fiber has a first end and a second end opposite thefirst end, the first end being optically coupled to the first lightemitting diode, the second end being optically coupled to the secondlight emitting diode, and one of the first and second ends of the lightdiffusing optical fiber being optically coupled to the third lightemitting diode.

Clause 9. The apparatus according to clause 8, wherein the lightdiffusing optical fiber has a core surrounded by a cladding, the corebeing butt-coupled to each of the first, second and third light emittingdiodes.

Clause 10. The apparatus according to clause 8, wherein the lightdiffusing optical fiber has a core surrounded by a cladding, the coreand cladding being butt-coupled to each of the first, second and thirdlight emitting diodes.

Clause 11. The apparatus according to clause 8, wherein when at leastone of the first and second light emitting diodes is in the energizedstate the third light emitting diode is in the energized state.

Clause 12. The apparatus according to clause 11, wherein the visiblelight emitted by the third light emitting diode is red.

Clause 13. The apparatus according to clause 8, wherein when both thefirst and second light emitting diodes are in the de-energized state thethird light emitting diode is in the energized state.

Clause 14. The apparatus according to clause 13, wherein the visiblelight emitted by the third light emitting diode is green.

Clause 15. The apparatus according to clause 1, further comprising afourth light emitting diode having an energized state and a de-energizedstate, in the energized state the third light emitting diode emitsvisible light and in the de-energized state the fourth light emittingdiode does not emit light.

FIG. 18R schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at one end to first, second, third and fourth LEDs 1006 a,1006 b, 1006 c and 1006 d.

FIG. 18S schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at a first end 10 a to first and second LEDs 1006 a and1006 b, and at a second end 10 b to third and fourth LEDs 1006 c and1006 d.

FIG. 18T schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at a first end 10 a to first and third LEDs 1006 a and 1006c, and at a second end 10 b to second and fourth LEDs 1006 b and 1006 d.

FIG. 18U schematically shows a single light diffusing fiber 12 beingbutt-coupled at a first end 10 a to first, third and fourth LEDs 1006 a,1006 c and 1006 d and at a second end 10 b second LED 1006 b.

Clause 16. The apparatus according to clause 15, wherein the third lightemitting diode emits visible light of a first color and the fourth lightemitting diode emits light of a second color different than the firstcolor.

Clause 17. The apparatus according to clause 16, wherein the first coloris red and the second color is green.

Clause 18. The apparatus according to clause 16, wherein when one orboth of the first and second light emitting diodes is in the energizedstate the third light emitting diode is in the energized state and thefourth light emitting diode is in the de-energized state.

Clause 19. The apparatus according to clause 17, wherein the first coloris red and the second color is green.

Clause 20. The apparatus according to clause 16, wherein when both ofthe first and second light emitting diodes is in the de-energized statethe third light emitting diode is in the de-energized state and thefourth light emitting diode is in the energized state.

Clause 21. The apparatus according to clause 17, wherein the first coloris red and the second color is green.

Clause 22. The apparatus according to clause 15, wherein the lightdiffusing optical fiber has a first end and a second end opposite thefirst end, the first end being optically coupled to the first lightemitting diode, the second end being optically coupled to the secondlight emitting diode, one of the first and second ends of the lightdiffusing optical fiber being optically coupled to the third lightemitting diode, and one of the first and second ends of the lightdiffusing optical fiber being optically coupled to the fourth lightemitting diode.

Clause 23. The apparatus according to clause 22, wherein the third lightemitting diode emits visible light of a first color and the fourth lightemitting diode emits light of a second color different than the firstcolor.

Clause 24. The apparatus according to clause 23, wherein the first coloris red and the second color is green.

It is to be appreciated that the figures herein are not drawn to scale.In addition, in regard to the schematic representations of FIGS. 18A-U,in cases where an end of an optical fiber is optically coupled to two ormore LEDs, the LEDs are shown aligned in a straight row. However,according to other implementations when an end of an optical fiber isoptically coupled to two or three LEDs, the LEDs may be grouped togetherlike that shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. In instances where an end of anoptical fiber 12 is optically coupled to four LEDs 1007 a-d, the LEDsmay be laid out in a rectangular fashion like that shown in FIG. 20.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly comprising: a frame including a frontside, a backside and a cavity located between the front side andbackside that opens to the front side; first and second electricallyconductive pads located on the frame; a first light emitting diodehaving an anode and a cathode, the first light emitting diode beinglocated inside the cavity of the frame with the anode and cathoderespectively being electrically coupled to the first and secondelectrically conductive pads; a first light diffusing optical fiberhaving a core and a cladding surrounding the core, the first lightdiffusing optical fiber including a proximal end portion having a firstlight receiving end that is butt-coupled to the first light emittingdiode; a lid located distal to the first light emitting diode, the lidhaving a front side, a backside, and a through opening that extendsbetween and through the front side and backside of the lid, the backsideof the lid being attached to the front side of the frame, the firstlight diffusing optical fiber extending through and being supported inthe through opening; and a printed circuit board having a voltageterminal and a ground terminal, the first electrically conductive pad ofthe frame being electrically connected to the voltage terminal and thesecond electrically conductive pad of the frame being electricallyconnected to the ground terminal.
 2. The assembly according to claim 1,further comprising a resilient strain relief housing enclosing at leasta portion of the first light diffusing optical fiber, the resilientstrain relief housing having a proximal end that butts against the frontside of the lid.
 3. The assembly according to claim 1, furthercomprising a resilient strain relief housing enclosing at least aportion of the first light diffusing optical fiber, the resilient strainrelief housing having a proximal end portion that resides inside thethrough opening of the lid.
 4. The assembly according to claim 1,wherein the proximal end portion of the first light diffusing opticalfiber protrudes proximally from the backside of the lid into the cavityof the frame.
 5. The assembly according to claim 4, wherein the firstlight emitting diode includes a front side from which light is emitted,a distance between the backside of the lid and the front side of thefirst light emitting diode is equal to or less than 1 millimeter.
 6. Theassembly according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each of thefirst and second electrically conductive pads of the frame is located onthe backside of the frame, the first electrically conductive pad beingelectrically coupled to the voltage terminal of the printed circuitboard via a first electrically conductive pin that extends through atopside of the printed circuit board, the second electrically conductivepad being electrically coupled to the ground terminal of the printedcircuit board via a second electrically conductive pin that extendsthrough the topside of the printed circuit board.
 7. The assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each of the firstand second electrically conductive pads of the frame is located on abottom side of the frame, each of the voltage terminal and groundterminal of the printed circuit board respectively comprising first andsecond metallic pads residing on the top side surface of the printedcircuit board, the first and second electrically conductive pads of theframe being respectively surface mounted in an electrically conducivemanner to the first and second metallic pads of the printed circuitboard.
 8. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the anode of thefirst light emitting diode is electrically coupled to the firstelectrically conductive pad by an electrically conductive wire having afirst end and a second end, the first end being attached to andelectrically coupled to the anode of the first light emitting diode, thesecond end being attached to and electrically coupled to the firstelectrically conductive pad.
 9. The assembly according to claim 1,wherein the anode of the first light emitting diode is electricallycoupled to a first electrical conductor element residing inside theframe, the first electrical conductor element comprising a firstmetallic mass that is electrically coupled to the first electricallyconductive pad.
 10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein the anodeof the first light emitting diode is electrically coupled to the firstelectrical conductor element by an electrically conductive wire having afirst end and a second end, the first end being attached to andelectrically coupled to the anode of the first light emitting diode, thesecond end being attached to and electrically coupled to the firstelectrical conductor element.
 11. The assembly according to claim 1,wherein the cathode of the first light emitting diode is electricallycoupled to a second electrical conductor element residing inside theframe, the second electrical conductor element comprising a secondmetallic mass that is electrically coupled to the second electricallyconductive pad.
 12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein thecathode of the first light emitting diode is surface mounted to thesecond electrical conductor element.
 13. The assembly according to claim1, wherein the first light emitting diode comprises a light emittingside and each of the core and cladding at the light receiving end of thefirst light diffusing optical fiber is butt-coupled to the lightemitting side of the first light emitting diode.
 14. The assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the through opening of the lid has alength dimension and a portion of the first light diffusing opticalfiber residing in the through opening has an outer diameter dimension,the length dimension being greater than the outer diameter dimension.15. The assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: a secondlight emitting diode located inside the cavity of the frame; and asecond light diffusing optical fiber having a core and a claddingsurrounding the core, the second light diffusing optical fiber having alight receiving end that is optically coupled to the second lightemitting diode, the second light diffusing optical fiber extendingthrough and being supported in the through opening of the lid.
 16. Theassembly according to claim 15, wherein the first light emitting diodeemits ultraviolet light and the second light emitting diode emitsvisible light.
 17. The assembly according to claim 15, wherein the firstand second light emitting diodes are configured to be concurrentlyenergized to concurrently deliver ultraviolet light and visible lightinto the first light diffusing light diffusing optical fiber.
 18. Theassembly according to claim 1, wherein the core of the first lightdiffusing light diffusing optical fiber has a distal end opposite theproximal end that is optically coupled to a second light emitting diode.19. The assembly according to claim 18, wherein the first light emittingdiode emits ultraviolet light and the second light emitting diode emitsvisible light.